Dalkeith Gardens great-grandfather and community figure marks 100th birthday

Benetas Dalkeith Gardens resident and Tyers community figure John Henry recently marked his 100th birthday, surrounded by friends, family and local dignitaries.

The centenarian, who was recognised as Latrobe City Senior Citizen of the Year in 2015, has worked tirelessly for the Tyers community with a street in a new housing subdivision named John Henry Drive.

To celebrate the milestone, Mr Henry was joined by family, fellow residents, Victorian Legislative Council MP Melina Bath and Latrobe City Council Mayor Dale Harriman on Friday, 3 October.

Mr Henry was born in Horsham on 5 October, 1925, before growing up in Warrnambool where he met wife Daphne at a local dance.

The couple went on to have five children, Robert, Allan, Peter, Jenny and Debra, as well as six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

In 1960, the family moved across the state to Gippsland where Mr Henry took on a forestry role in the Boola Boola State Forest, transporting pulp wood to the Australian Paper Mill.

He then worked at the Maryvale Timber Hardware store for 17 years, transferring over to Turners Timber and Hardware before retiring at age 65.

Throughout his adult life, Mr Henry was known widely for tending and giving away fruit trees to members of the community.

In retirement, Mr Henry enjoyed pottering around in his garden and shed. More recently, he enjoys reading the newspaper, short walks, listening to ABC radio and watching TV.

John's family and his life history living in Tyers is something he cherishes and loves to talk about.