Century of memories: World’s oldest man dies aged 112

The world’s oldest living man has passed away at the unbelievable age of 112 years old.

John Tinniswood who was residing at a care home in Southport marks the end of a generation having lived through almost a whole century and quarter of the way through another.

Mr. Tinniswood’s passing was confirmed yesterday by his family and according to relatives was “surrounded by music and love.” He became the oldest living man in the world when Juan Vicente Pérez Mora died at the age of 114 this year. Mr.Tinniswood had been born in the year Titanic sank in 1912, and therefore saw two world wars as well as living through 11 decades of massive societal changes. He became the UK’s oldest man in 2020 and the world’s oldest man, as recognised by the Guinness Book of Records, in April 2024.

Mr. Tinniswood, oldest man in the world, had “many fine qualities”

Mr Tinniswood became a widower in 1986 after his wife Blodwyn passed away with whom he had married in 1942. He leaves behind a daughter, Susan, grandchildren Annouchka, Marisa, Toby and Rupert, and great-grandchildren Tabitha, Callum and Nieve. His family described their father, grandfather and great-grandfather in a statement. They said: “(He) had many fine qualities,” and added that “he was intelligent, decisive, brave, calm in any crisis, talented at maths, and a great conversationalist.”

Serving in the military during World War Two in the Royal Army Pays Corps, he later worked for Royal Mail before his final position as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972. His family have commented on his active retirement, engaging in volunteer work and in the church.

His latter years were spent at the Hollies Rest Care Home where he was much-loved and appreciated and where he had lived for the past 12 years, enjoying regular portions of fish and chips.

“You either live long or you live short – and you can’t do much about it.”

Mr Tinniswood who was previously interviewed by the BBC said he had been “quite active as a youngster” and did “a lot of walking”, but stressed he had no idea why he was blessed with such longevity. He said: “You either live long or you live short – and you can’t do much about it.” He was a budding and loyal supporter of Liverpool Football Club for the duration of his life and was a kind and enthusiastic man.

Oldest man in the world received annual birthday cards from Royals

Since his 100 year milestone, he has received an anual birthday card from various monarchs including the late Queen Elizabeth II and more recently, from King Charles III.

The oldest living man on record was Jiroemon Kimura, from Japan, who lived to the age of 116 years and 54 days. He died in 2013. The world’s oldest living woman, and oldest living person, is Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who is currently 116.

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