REGINALD Trebilco celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family at Masonic Peace Haven on Saturday afternoon.
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Mr Trebilco has lived a century's worth of rich experiences, and is a proud father, artist and veteran.
He said the most frightening experience of his life occurred while he was serving in World War II, when he was lucky to survive a large bomb explosion.
He had a treasured marriage of more than 50 years with his late wife Mary, and they raised a son and a daughter (Richard and Tegan) together.
"I was very fortunate to meet a wonderful woman," Mr Trebilco said.
The couple moved to Tasmania more than 30 years ago, living in Greens Beach and Longford before moving to Launceston.
Mr Trebilco is an advocate for active aging, recording an impressive blood pressure score, avoiding processed foods, requiring no major medication and staying socially active.
"Far too many people take life for granted, and have no real interest in health," he said.
Mr Trebilco's daughter Tegan Roberts visited from Western Australia to present her father his congratulatory letter from the Queen.
"Dad's generous of spirit, he's quite quirky and funny . . . what makes him a character is he's very gregarious," Ms Roberts said.