By Alistair Gray
Mervyn McCullough with brother Ron, daughter Vivienne Learoyd and son Douglas at his 100th birthday party.
It was a pleasure to meet our newest centurion and long-standing Bribie resident, Mervyn McCullough, at his 100th birthday party where he was surrounded by family and friends. Mervyn was married 72 years ago to the love of his life Ray and has lived on Bribie for 35 years. Sadly, Ray passed some five years ago.
Mervyn is in good health despite being blind for the last nine months. He exercises daily, doing 600/700 revs on his little bike and enjoys weekly walks with his daughter Vivienne.
Mervyn joined the Army at the age of 18, serving in Borneo and Moratai. He then had several career changes becoming a butcher, a milkman and a sign maker. During his time, Mervyn was a great sportsman, loved his lawn bowls and was district president at Caboolture. He was also a regular golfer at the Bribie Island Golf Club in Woorim.
Mervyn and Ray have two children, son Douglas and daughter Vivienne, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Mervyn was part of a large family, being one of eight, with his younger brother, a fresh-faced 88, at the birthday celebrations enjoying the day. The birthday boy said the secret to a long life was two spoons of molasses daily, the raw stuff. He also loves his daily tipple of Green Ginger Wine. Mervyn still lives independently with daily help, a tribute to him and a good life lead.