Another centenarian in Alberton
He celebrated his 100th birthday on September 13, with his big, loving family.
ALBERTON is very blessed to be the home to another centenarian – Reg Lovell, but his family simply calls him Oupa.
He celebrated his 100th birthday on September 13, with his big, loving family.
Reg has been a proud husband to Norma Lovell for the past 49 years and is also the proud father of three daughters and three stepsons. He said: “I’ve always wanted a son, but got three wonderful daughters instead. When I married Norma, though, she already had three sons of her own, so now I’m very lucky to have three sons instead of just one.”
When asked how many grandchildren and great-grandchildren he has, Reg chuckled and said there are simply too many for him to recall. In any way, Reg is seen by everyone as a grandfather. His family all agreed to this.
“He is everyone’s dad and a very inspiring person who is loved very much.”
Reg was born in Durban, where his heart still remains. For Reg, the best years of his life was staying in KwaZulu-Natal, supporting the Sharks rugby team and being close to the beautiful sea. Back in the day, Reg himself was an avid rugby and tennis player at his alma mater, Durban High School.
A day or so before his 100th birthday, Durban High School even sent Reg a certificate where they wished him a happy birthday, thanked him for his involvement in the school so many years ago, and also for fighting in World War II.
That’s right – Reg fought for South Africa in World War II. His father fought in World War I, and he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps, despite his immense fear. He said this is something that always kept his bond with his father very strong because his father was extremely proud of him.
In addition to Durban High School, LM Radio also wished Reg a happy birthday on air and played him a Glen Miller song – Glen Miller being his biggest musical inspiration. Reg also received 42 phone calls on his birthday – what a blessing to have so many people who care for him. Reg agrees he is very lucky.
In conclusion, he said: “It’s a wonderful feeling to be 100 and I think I owe this long life to the good Lord and a happy family life. The Lord chooses the length of our lives and I’m very blessed to have been given such a fruitful one.”
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