The world will pay tribute to the world’s last oldest man Henry Allingham, who died at the age 113 in St. Dunstan’s Care, brighton, England, in his funeral later this month. Henry had to wait to become the world’s oldest man until the then oldest man Japanese Tomoji Tanabe died at the age of 113. He retained the title of the oldest man just for a month approximately.
Henry Allingham arrived at the age of 113 just recently. When asked during his title of oldest man, he gave two reasons for this achievement. The first of the two reasons he mentioned are cigarettes, whisky, and wild women; and the second being worriless life. The first reason is difficult to absorb as often we hear that smoking and drinking is detrimental to good health. The second reason is certainly is a factor for a healthy, happy long life.
Allingham lost his wife Dorothy in 1970 after happily living together for more than 50 years. Both of his daughters left for heavenly abode earlier, but his extended family consisting of 5 grand children, 12 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great grandchild is still living.
He was the last World War I survivor before his death on 18 July. With his departure, no one will find anybody to hear the first hand stories of World War I any more. During his association with the Royal Naval Air Service, he was engaged in World War I fighting the battle of Jutland. After the war was over, he was sent to newly formed Royal Force.
UK’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who met him several times before, described him as a ‘Tremendous Character.
Being born in the year 1896, and living 113 years, he had the privilege of witnessing the 19th, 20th, and 21sy century. Despite being so old, he retained his memory and firm voice until the last day.