JOHN TINNISWOOD, WORLD’S OLDEST MAN, DIES AT 112 IN ENGLAND

Wed 27 November 2024:

The world’s oldest man has died at the age of 112 in England.

John Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on August 26, 1912 and became the world’s oldest living man in April.

He died on Monday at his care home in Southport “surrounded by music and love,” his family said in a statement on Tuesday.

The family said: “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 [National Health Service] staff.”

Tinniswood, survived by his daughter Susan, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, lived to be the fourth-oldest British man in recorded history.

His family said: “John had many fine qualities. He was intelligent, decisive, brave, calm in any crisis, talented at maths and a great conversationalist.”

They added: “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.”

Earlier this year, he told Guinness World Records he felt “no different” to be turning 112.

He said: “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.

Family photo John and Blodwen Tinniswood on their wedding day, with him in glasses and a double-breasted dark suit and her with a fascinator and a pale two-piece suit, holding a silver horseshoe

Tinniswood met his wife, Blodwen, at a dance in Liverpool and they married in 1942. Family photo

“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.”

Beyond eating a portion of battered fish and chips every Friday, Tinniswood said he did not follow any particular diet.

“I eat what they give me and so does everybody else,” he said.

Tinniswood, born in the year the Titanic sank, lived through both world wars and was the world’s oldest surviving male Second World War veteran. He worked in an administrative role for the Army Pay Corps.

In addition to accounts and auditing, his work involved logistical tasks such as locating stranded soldiers and organising food supplies.

He went on to work as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972.

A lifelong Liverpool FC fan, Tinniswood was born just 20 years after the club was founded in 1892 and has lived through all eight of his club’s FA Cup wins and 17 of their 19 league title wins.

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