Celebrating a Century

Photo of author
Written By Brooke Jacobson

Brighton resident Stan Staines has three things that have seen him through his 100 years on this earth – faith, family, and friends. 

The World War II veteran celebrated his milestone birthday surrounded by well-wishers in early January.  

Still living in the home he shared with his late wife Pat for almost 70 years, Stan had this advice for living a long and healthy life: “Put your trust in Jesus, watch what you put in your mouth, and watch what comes out of it.” 

The father of four, grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of nine served in the Navy on HMAS Koopa during the Second World War.  

He said his wartime experiences helped build character and resilience. 

“I am proud to have been able to serve my country,” Stan said. 

“I remember we spent three days sheltering up in the islands near PNG, and it was rough – the sea was rolling, and some of us thought we weren’t going to make it. But I never got seasick.” 

Love, Hard Work, and a Simple Life

Speaking to the Sandgate Guide, it was clear Stan’s great love had been for his wife Pat, who died three years ago. 

“I’ve only fallen once, and that was for my wife,” he said. “I’d tell her every night she was the most beautiful woman in the world, with no wrinkles – the last few years she would say that’s because I couldn’t see anymore!” 

Stan added he had seen a great many changes during his lifetime, from getting around in a horse and cart during the Great Depression, to driving cars. 

“I remember Mum could grow vegetables, and we had a cow that we used to milk, and she would make butter from the milk,” Stan said. 

“We weren’t in any real trouble during that time, we just never had any money. It was a simple, happy life. We used to get dropped to school by horse and cart. 

“It taught you to appreciate life and I remember my headmaster saying, ‘don’t give up until a dead horse kicks you’.” 

During his working life, Stan ran a plastering business, which he had taken over from his own father, and is still in the family today. Many homes in Brighton, Deagon and Sandgate, have been ‘stuccoed’ by the popular family business. 

“I was always very practical with my hands,” Stan said. “I’m very thankful for the way I was gifted like that.” 

Stan added he was determined to stay in the home he built for his bride and remained “very healthy with a strong heartbeat.” 

“I’m never truly alone, I never get bored – I have a CD player, the Bible, audiobooks and Johnny Cash,” he said. 

“I’m well looked after, and I’ve lived a good happy life.” 

Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here: