Albany centenarian Norman Lakeman says 70-year marriage to his dancing queen was key to long and happy life

A 70-year marriage to a lady who could “dance the legs off anyone” is the recipe for a long and happy life, according to Norman ‘Norm’ Lakeman who turned 100 on Monday.

Still lively and active — bar two sore knees — the former bricklayer reflected on what he said was an average life, lived well.

“I played football and cricket, but I wasn’t very good,” he said.

“I wasn’t even very good at marbles, so you might say I was consistent.

“But I always felt if you did an honest day’s work you could take pride in your craft, and I did.”

His family, including grand-daughter Sally who travelled from Onslow for the occasion, and friends from his retirement village Eureka Albany marked his centenary with an afternoon tea.

Mr Lakeman spoke fondly of his wife Christine, who died in 2016.

“She had a very infectious smile which went straight into your heart, and she could dance the legs off anyone,” he said.

Born in Melbourne, Mr Lakeman came west to be with family in 2018.

His son Brian, also a retired bricklayer, and his wife Sheila live in Albany, while daughter Rosemary lives in Perth.

Norm’s father, uncle and grandfather were bricklayers, and he had no hesitation joining the family trade which included stints paving the streets of Melbourne and repairing the boiler houses on ships and in the city’s factories.

As a boy, he tried to join the army four times during World War II and was finally successful when he turned 18.

By then, however, the tide of the war had turned and the nearest he came to a theatre of action was guarding ammunition stores in Darwin.

“I never thought how long I would live,” he said.

“I used to make plans, but I never set a target.

“I always feel young, I only take two tablets and I have no pains, except for sore knees.”

His son and family visit regularly and he uses his mobility scooter to visit them.

As far as his party was concerned, he did not want a fuss and when his WA Centenarian’s pin arrived last week, he wouldn’t wear it before the big day — just in case.

“I’m not the sort of person who’s wrapped up in his own importance,” he said.

“I like to live quietly.

“When the time comes, I want to slip gracefully out of the back door, walk into nothing and close the door behind me.”