John Tinniswood passed away on Monday, November 25, at the care home in Southport where he resided, “surrounded by music and love,” according to his family.
In April, he was recognized as the world’s oldest living man following the death of the previous holder of the title, Juan Vicente Perez from Venezuela. He had previously mentioned that the key to his long life was simply “just luck.”
Paying tribute to John his family said: “His last day was surrounded by music and love. “John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf, thanks to all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies Care Home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist and other NHS staff.”
He is survived by his daughter, four grandchildren Annouchka, Marisa, Toby and Rupert and three great-grandchildren Tabitha, Callum and Nieve.
His family said: “John had many fine qualities. He was intelligent, decisive, brave, calm in any crisis, talented at maths and a great conversationalist.”
“John moved to the Hollies Rest Home just before his 100th birthday and his kindness and enthusiasm for life were an inspiration to the care home staff and his fellow residents.”
In April he spoke to Guinness World Records he felt “no different” to be turning the milestone age. Adding “I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited over it. That’s probably why I’ve reached it. “I just take it in my stride like anything else, why I’ve lived that long I have no idea at all. “I can’t think of any special secrets I have. I was quite active as a youngster, I did a lot of walking. Whether that had something to do with it, I don’t know. But, to me, I’m no different [to anyone]. No different at all.”
John didn’t abide to any specific diet, apart from eating fish and chips every Friday,
Chatting about the importance of keeping fit if you can, he previously told ITV News: “Keeping active is very important, I’ve always loved football but when I was younger I was part of the Liverpool Ramblers Association which went hiking all over the country.
“We used to meet up at least once a month, and when all the associations from all over the UK met up once a year we could fill an entire train.
“The Rambler’s Associations don’t really exist anymore and I haven’t been hiking for quite some years but I largely carry on here as I would if I was still living independently.”
John was born in Liverpool on 26 August 1912 and served in the Royal Army Pay Corps. They were in charge of looking after food supplies and finances and helping to find soldiers who were stranded.
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