War veteran Bob Buckland got to celebrate his 100th birthday with a 1928 Ford Model A and a reunion of his entire family. Photo / Andrew Warner
War veteran Bob Buckland got to celebrate his 100th birthday with a 1928 Ford Model A and a reunion of his entire family. Photo / Andrew Warner
At 100 years old Bob Buckland is a bit of a legend, and it's possible a good ol' cup of tea could have something to do with it.
The war veteran's smile was ear to ear as he arrived at his own birthday party at Club Mount Maunganui in a1928 Ford Model A at the weekend.
There, his entire family, including wife Elsie, welcomed and celebrated him as he hopped out of the vintage car, aided by just a walking stick.
Mr Buckland was a sergeant in World War II. After returning home, he and Mrs Buckland went on to have two sons, Phil and John Buckland, who had two daughters each, who in turn had their children, some of whom have also now had children.
On Saturday, the entire family came together for the first time to celebrate Mr Buckland's milestone.
Mr Buckland, who received a card from the Queen, said the trip in the older car was "fantastic".
"I wouldn't want to go to Auckland in it but it was great, being in an older car like that. It just takes me back."
Mr Buckland reminisced about days before computers and mobile phones, of which he has neither. But some things have not changed - Mr Buckland said he has always, without fail, enjoyed a cup of tea each day.
Mr Buckland also takes part in a poker group every three weeks with son Phil.
But he is not one to talk about himself much. Rather, he is quick to point out that he and wife Elsie have celebrated 72 years marriage, before launching into a joke.
"People ask 'why have you been married 72 years?' I always say 'we had an argument on our wedding day and it hasn't stopped'," he said, chuckling away.
Lisa Adamson said her grandfather has always been a character - one she could not be prouder of.
"He's just a legend. He still cooks and cleans and still has his licence, just passed it for another year. He's completely capable of everything, doesn't even need a walker, just a walking stick."
Adamson said her grandfather was a "fun-loving guy".
"He's very positive. Nothing gets him down. If there's an issue he just gets up and carries on. Nothing brings him down. He keeps himself active. He still goes to every dawn parade, drives himself there. Does the parade walk," she said.
