By Eleanor Wilson
The 100th day of the year saw an extra special celebration at the Berwick Inn Hotel on Sunday, as local Fred Lazer celebrated his 100th birthday.
Mr Lazer, who has resided in Berwick’s Villa Maria Catholic Homes for four years, was joined by many of his friends and family of four children, five grandchildren and three – soon to be four- great-grandchildren.
Proud daughters Maree Quinn and Catherine Lazer said their father always had his eyes on the milestone.
“Dad saw Don Bradman play his famous cricket match, so he always said if he could make it to 100 it would be marvellous because he saw Don Bradman get 100 runs,” Ms Lazer said.
A fitter and turner by trade, Mr Lazer also fondly remembers his days working with AFL legend Lou Richards.
“Before Lou got taken on by the Collingwood Football Club, he and dad used to practise outside on their lunch break,” Maree said.
Known for “being a legend and a really good bloke”, Mr Lazer said his secret to a long life rests in having a positive attitude.
“I’ve always got along with everybody and always tried to stay happy, but I’m not really sure why I’m allowed to live for so long and others aren’t,” he said.
While Mr Lazer is humble in his achievement, his daughters say there is no doubt the blessing of a long life is owed to his good nature.
“We had the best childhood anyone could imagine, Dad was a wonderful provider, a wonderful husband, he worked two jobs for most of his life to provide for us,” Maree said.
“Everybody always loved to have a beer with Fred, because he just has a happy, beautiful nature.”
Four years after the death of his wife, Mr Lazer met girlfriend Terree on a bus tour in 2010.
Terree, who travels from her home in Chelsea three days a week to visit Fred, said the pair has been inseparable ever since.
“It’s amazing, he’s so fit and healthy for his age,” she said.
“I think he’ll be with us for another five or 10 years!”
