By Alesha Capone
The same year that Mick Gastin was born, George V was sitting on Britain’s throne, the Princes Highway was officially opened and the first successful flight took place from Melbourne to Perth.
Mr Gastin, who was born in 1920, celebrated his 100th birthday on January 25.
Along with his wife Margaret, Mr Gastin has four children, 12 grandchildren and a great-grandchild on the way.
Mr and Mrs Gastin have been married for more than seven decades.
The pair said they moved to Hoppers Crossing around 20 years ago, to live across the road from one of their daughters.
Mr Gastin served as treasurer of the Hoppers Bowls Club for around 12 years, where he was also a keen player known as “Mighty Mick Gastin”.
The club presented Mr Gastin with a special trophy marking his 100th birthday last month.
In his younger days, Mr Gastin was a keen sportsman, who “did a bit of long-distance running” and served secretary of a football club in Cohuna, where he is also a life member.
Mr Gastin said there was no great secret to living to 100 years old.
“I pray to God and my wife looks after me,” he said.
Mr Gastin celebrated his birthday with relatives and close friends at the Hoppers Club last month.
Margaret’s youngster sister Mary, who is a Catholic nun, was among the people who attended.
“Margaret’s family produced has three priests and two nuns,” Mr Gastin said.
Mr Gastin said he also enjoyed using his iPad to surf the internet and look on Facebook.
“You can Google things – it’s amazing what you can learn,” he said.
