Cheers to 104!
Jan’s secret to a long life.
Reaching 104 years old is no small feat - and few can share stories that stretch across an entire century. In our latest client spotlight, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jan, who recently celebrated his 104th birthday.
Born in the Netherlands in October 1921, Jan led a very active life working as a tug master on the docks. It was there that he met and married his wife, Ellie. In 1955, Jan, Ellie, and their young sons set sail for Australia, where they eventually settled in Kwinana, south of Perth, and welcomed three more daughters. Over the years, they have built a large, close-knit family of 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Even at 104, Jan’s inventive spirit remains strong; he still loves tinkering and cherishes time with family, friends, and regular visitors, bringing curiosity, warmth, and plenty of stories. From memories of a very different Australia to reflections on what truly matters in life, this interview is a beautiful reminder of the wisdom, humour, and resilience that come with age. Here’s what Jan had to say:
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the world during your lifetime?
The way of life – my early days consisted of working, getting married, and bringing up a family. Now it’s a bit more varied, with more time for holidays with the family. Kids now have a lot more things – when I was growing up, we didn’t have as much, but we were certainly happy.
What is your fondest childhood memory?
Going ashore and playing soccer with the other kids. My dad made a sail and fastened it to our rowboat and made a sailing boat for us to sail around the harbour and have fun.
What was your favourite decade, and why?
Before the war in the 1930s, we travelled all over Europe which was very fun, but we lived a very simple life.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
My parents and relatives.
What was the best meal you’ve ever had?
I love meat, potatoes and vegetables – I enjoy keeping it simple.
What’s the thing that makes you smile every day?
Being in my home.
Is there a song or artist that you have fond memories of?
Not a particular song, but I love to listen to all my old music – some Dutch music, and Tom Jones particularly – and when I do, I think about all the happy times in my younger years with my wife, family and friends.
Over the years, which invention or change has surprised you the most, and why did it leave an impression on you?
Probably communication, and how instant it is these days. When I was trying to court my wife, I had to travel for several days from Germany, where our ship was docked, to Holland, where her ship was moored. I hitchhiked, caught a train, and after all that effort, discovered she wasn’t even home - she was in town! All that journey, just to ask her out on a date.
And last - but certainly not least! -what’s the secret to reaching 104?
Simple living, plain food (for example, meat or chicken, with vegetables), and a healthy job. I always worked on the water – first all around Europe on the rivers, and then in Australia in dredging. I’ve also kept pretty active all my life.
