A life lived richly is how you would describe Joseph Stewart, who turned 100 on October 2.
The husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather is a resident of Thembalami Care Centre.
The hard worker, who retired at age 85, was a South African Air Force soldier in World War II, a businessman and an avid bowler. At just 18 years old, he joined the army.
He became a flight engineer, serving in East, West and Central Africa, including Egypt and Italy.
Joseph has been with the ex-servicemen club Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHs) for 60 years and he remains an active member of the Tim Lukin Shellhole.
After the army, he did an apprenticeship at a panel beater in Johannesburg and later bought the business.
The entrepreneur ran the company for over 25 years before switching careers and becoming an insurance assessor.
Joseph, fondly known as Bic, met his wife, Audrey Clarkson, in 1950s and they had two daughters, Peggy and Patricia.
The family has expanded over the years and now includes four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
His life has been characterised by family and community involvement.
Born in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg, Bic was the oldest of five children.
The sportsman enjoyed boxing, soccer, cricket and rugby, for which he received his u-19 provincial colours, back in the day.
Thembalami’s Elize Raath said Bic is a “real people’s person”.
The care centre held a party for him on his birthday, which was organised by his family and fellow resident Brian Crosley, who was master of ceremonies.
The Lombardy East Bowling Club, of which Bic is a long-standing member, also hosted a party for him on the weekend after his birthday.
Bic shared advice on how to live a long life.
“Do your best in every endeavour” said the centenarian.
