At 107 years young Cyril Blowes is still going strong.
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The former Mudgee stalwart wasn't practicing social distancing with his wife when he quietly celebrated his birthday at Shoal Bay recently.
"History, as they say is between the pages, but for Cyril Blowes history is his memories of the 107 years that he notched up on April 4. Cyril has just about seen it all," David Heath of the Probus Club of Port Stephens said.
In 1936 Mr Blowes opened the first Blowes store in Mudgee, a business that has remained in the family for more than 80 years. The couple raised four children while Mr Blowes expanded his business to include stores in Dubbo and around the central west.
After retiring, the pair moved to Port Stephens in 1980.
In a previous interview, Mr Blowes said he did not know the secret to a long life or marriage. But he did say that good genes and good family helped with the long life, and forgiveness helped with the long marriage.
"Every marriage, every family, has its up and downs but you need to tread carefully and forgive. Forgive each other and yourself. You have to give to get back."
Mr Blowes said that he was "just an ordinary man" who was was not without his regrets, but was fortunate to have some success in his life.
Mr Blowes was joined by his wife of 79 years, Pattie, friends and fellow residents of Harbourside Haven in Shoal Bay.
Mr and Mrs Blowes met at a ball in Mudgee, where Pattie lived at the time. Mr Blowes had moved to Mudgee to open his menswear business, Blowes Clothing.
They were married in March 1941, one year after Mr Blowes joined the World War II effort. After serving overseas, Mr Blowes returned to Australia in 1945 when the war ended.
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