Albert Leslie Elliott, ‘Les’ to his friends and family, celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday, February 11.
Les was born in Yorkshire, England and departed for Mombasa, Kenya when he was just 17.
Here he worked as an assistant police commissioner at a police training school and met the love of his life, Margaret, whom he married.
A Kenyan friend moved down to Australia and enthused about it so much that Les was inspired to see it for himself, and he was smitten by Tasmania.
Les, Margaret and their three children, Carol, Nick and Timothy, moved to Ulverstone in 1965.
The family then moved to Kingborough in the 70s, where Les bought a 27-acre block of land at Bonnet Hill.
As an avid walker, Les has taken advantage over the years of the beautiful hikes Tasmania has to offer, including the Overland and South Coast Track.
He is also a keen cyclist and kayaker, only giving these last two up in recent years.
Les continues to go on daily walks, “in rain, hail or storm,” as his son Tim described.
Les attributes his longevity to his healthy lifestyle, but acknowledged it is a privilege as well.
“It’s what you’re born with and what you’ve got,” he said.
“I’ve lived a good life.”
Les and Margaret were among the very first residents to move into Wellington Vista Retirement Village 15 years ago.
Margaret has since passed away at the age of 95, but Les said their daughter Carol has taken on her role as the “boss.”
In addition to his three children, Les boasts six grandchildren and five great grandchildren (Kaia, Kodey, Lincoln, Harrison and Mackenzie).
A number of them will be present at his birthday party celebrations to be held at Wellington Vista on Saturday, February 15.
Approximately 40 to 50 guests are expected to attend, which surprised Les as the event had been arranged by his son Tim.
