AN effervescent Keith Dawson celebrated his 105th birthday on May 24 as he does each year: with family, friends and a tremendous smile.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Donning his newest cap - which reads 105 not out - Keith lives at Emmaus Nursing Home.
His positive outlook on life is contagious despite recently being confined to a wheelchair.
Keith was born on May 24, 1913 - a Saturday. He will proudly tell you he is a New Zealander who has called the Mid North Coast home for more than 40 years.
His wife has passed, and when Keith finally says goodbye, he plans on joining his wife on a "tour around the world in a boat".
I always gave to others and I think generosity is important. So is smiling and laughing.
- Keith Dawson
He says the key to a long life is having plenty to do, especially for others. On his 105th birthday he could not stress that enough.
"I always gave to others and I think generosity is important. So is smiling and laughing," he said.
"I reckon I could walk tomorrow if they would let me try. But I think I might have been overdoing it."
"I just lay in bed all day like a dumpling (but) I still think I could go and put up a fence for someone. Why not? What's holding me back?"
So big is Keith's generosity that recently he gave up his walker for his nephew who was in a serious accident and not able to walk unassisted.
Keith is no stranger to several community organisations like Sunrise Swimmers and Krista Gilen's Zumba where he is a gold participant.
"His zest and love for this exercise program is truly inspiring," Krista said.
"It warms the hearts of all who witness him trying to bust some moves in my class while seated in his wheelchair."
I just lay in bed all day like a dumpling (but) I still think I could go and put up a fence for someone. Why not? What's holding me back?
- Keith Dawson, 105
If it were up to Keith, he would be busy mending something, going for a swim, playing bowls or sailing every day of the week.
"I'm still feeling good. I might go to 110 I think," he said.
"That's what I said last year and I'm still going for it. I haven't been able to do as much lately and it's a bit hard to convince people to let me do more things.
"I used to do lots of carpentry, sailing and that sort of thing. I can't do that anymore but I'd like to go swimming again."
Keith's family visited from Newcastle, taking him to lunch at the club. He received special letters from Leslie Williams MP, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Queen.
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
