Hillary’s Willie reaches a landmark 100 years
William John Farquharson has lived in the Queensburgh area for more than 60 years.
LOCAL resident, William John Farquharson, recently celebrated his 100th birthday with close friends and family at the Hillary Club in Queenbsurgh.
The Hillary resident has lived in the Queensburgh area for more than 60 years.
He has eight children, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great granddhildren.
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Although, obviously not as sprightly as he once was, he can still be seen trimming the hedge on the borders of his property and pottering in the yard, where the lawn is always neatly trimmed by his 53-year-old grandson, Mark.
Willie, started work as a messenger at Howard College, aged 14 when he was living in Overport.
After that, he completed an apprenticeship on the then SAR & H and qualified as a coppersmith, working mainly on marine vessels.
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Widowed in the early 2000s, when his much loved wife of 64 years, Phyllis, passed away in her 80s. He has continued living in their home, enjoying his retirement.
He was a familiar figure on the sidelines at local soccer matches, and, most supportive of his five sons who were all avid soccer players, and could be heard at every match shouting instructions and encouragement in a very loud voice when they were playing.
His favourite birthday gift is a cowboy book which he would devour in almost one sitting and then re-read again later, with just as much enjoyment as the first time. Willie’s favourite reading matter are stories written by Louis L’Amour.
Apart from the deterioration of his hearing and sight, his health, for his age, is good.
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