World War II fireman celebrates 100th birthday in Radcliffe

John James Fisher, born September 20, 1923,  celebrated his 100th birthday at Rose Court Care Home, on Water Street, Radcliffe.

Described as ‘hardworking and family oriented’, his son-in-law joked that these qualities along with ‘lots and lots of salt’ are what have contributed to his long life.

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Happy 100th Birthday to John 🎉

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Andy Farmer, whose late wife was John’s youngest daughter Elizabeth, said: “He has been in my life for the best part of 30 years, and he is incredible, just the most amazing man.

“He likes a bit of food with his salt, so I think he has literally preserved himself with it to reach the ripe age of 100.”

John was born in Manchester and spent his younger years being raised by his grandmother and grandfather in Newcastle, where he picked up the ‘Geordie Twang’ in his accent.

He worked as a fireman on the steam trains during World War II ferrying the troops around the UK and later as a Post Man at Prestwich Post office until he retired in 1988.

He was introduced to Gertrude, who later became his wife, by his sister Hannah and they were married on May 25, 1954.

The following May their first daughter Margaret was born.

Margret Myres, now 69, said: “He is wonderful dad and as a family we are very close, always have been, and we love him to bits.”

Andy added: “He is so strong and an example of this is just before lockdown he had a fall and was lay there for 14 hours with a brain bleed.

“Two weeks later he was up and out having Sunday dinner with us, honestly the third world war could come, and he would still be wandering about, he is cantankerous and brilliant.”

15 months after Margret was born, Jonh and Gertrude had their second child, Peter Fisher and 10 years later, their third, Elizabeth.

Peter said: “He is a remarkable man, we never thought he would reach the great old age of 100 but here has is happy as Larry and loving it here at Rose Court.

“We were terrified about putting him in a care home but seeing him here now is marvellous.

“He only came in during July and we worried he wouldn’t like it, but he has, the staff are amazing we can’t thank them enough.”

John and Getrude lived all their married life in Whitefield and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2004 before she died the following year, 2005.

During the 100th birthday celebrations, wellbeing coordinator Allison Porter, said: “It has been amazing, especially now covid is over we can go back to having parties because a 100th birthday is an amazing thing to celebrate.

“Covid was a living nightmare and now people are back up and dancing, seeing family members and having a fantastic time too.

“We’re now looking forward to John's 101st birthday next year!”