Hard work and fat pork: How George Monk made it to 106th birthday

George Monk has seen a lot in his life. 

Born in Monkstown, Placentia Bay, he has lived through two world wars and 12 Newfoundland premiers. 

On Wednesday, he celebrated his 106th birthday.

Monk was a logger in his working days, taking over the family sawmill in his hometown. He retired in 1973 and moved to Clarenville. 

His earliest memories are about the Salvation Army and his faith.

"One of the earlier things I can think about was when I was converted. I wasn't very big," Monk said as he celebrated his latest birthday.

He married his sweetheart, Eva, who he adored for 75 years of marriage until her passing 10 years ago. Together, the couple had five children, 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren. 

Mild man with good heart

Many of his family and friends gathered on Wednesday to celebrate Monk's monumental birthday at the Clarenville Retirement Home. 

"Dad was a very mild man. He cared for everybody," said Myrtle Snook, one of his daughters. 

"When the people used to come in boats in Monkstown, he would go down and they would get up on the wharf and he said 'Now, my son, come on up and have a cup of tea.' A good many times I sat to the table, I did not know who was in front of me, " Snook said. 

Joe Monk, the only son in the family, said his friends all joke that he will outlast them because of his genes. He is proud to see his father happy and healthy. 

"It's not too many that gets the pleasure of [turning 106] and for him to maintain the health that he still has. He was never sick that I remember, maybe the scattered flu."

'Trust in the blessed master'

And what does George Monk credit for his good health at an old age?

"He said one time what keeps him healthy is hard work and eating fat pork. But back in those days you had no computers, you had to walk. You had to wear it all off. And he said 'by putting my trust in the blessed master,'" said his son.