He’s a pastry chef, war veteran, father and husband and Lloyd Thomson has celebrated his next big achievement – turning 100.
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Lloyd marked the milestone surrounded by family and friends at Sarah Clayson on Thursday, October 20.
The centenarian was born in Sydney in 1916 and is the oldest living member of the 1st Australian Field Squadron of the Royal Australian Engineers.
He served two terms in Papua New Guinea in WW11 before returning to settle in Sydney.
In a change of pace, Lloyd became a pastry chef and even baked the birthday cake of King Haakon the 7th of Norway – a story his wife Avis says is “for another day.”
Lloyd and Avis married in 1946 in Orange. Lloyd was 29 and Avis was 18.
The couple went on to have eight children, Peter, Meg, Jill, Steve, Sue, Chris, Matthew and John.
“Dad was an only child so he certainly turned that around,” daughter Jill said.
Lloyd and Avis now have 27 grandchildren and 22 grandchildren, although that’s about to change.
“Our 23rd could be born any day now,” Avis said.
Lloyd and Avis are both devoted Christians and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in February last year.
Avis said their long marriage comes down to three important things.
“We have loved, respected and cared for each other all that time,” she said.
With no shortage of cake, balloons and streamers to mark the occasion, Avis also thanked the staff at Sarah Claydon.
“I cannot thank them enough for all their kindness and respect,” she said.
“Some of them have even come in on their day off to celebrate Lloyd’s birthday.”
Llod and Avis’ friends from St Martin’s Church also sent a card featuring a group celebration photo.
The party will continue this weekend, with friends and 75 family members set to gather at Jill’s house.
