100 years young for fun-loving Ronald

The son of a Wolverhampton man celebrating his 100th birthday has spoken about a proud family man who loves the simple things.

Ronald Tierney was born on June 25, 1920, on Fisher Street in Wolverhampton to Gerald and Clara, the second youngest of five children.

His son Mel has been talking about his father ahead of birthday celebrations which, because of Covid-19 restrictions, have had to be changed from original plans.

He said: "Originally, we were holding a party for him at Himley Cricket Club, but with Covid-19, we had to cancel that plan.

"Instead, my sister Janet has organised a social garden party for him at her home in Cannock, where we've invited people to come along at allocated time slots.

"We'll hold a nice barbecue for him if the weather holds and do it as a nice celebration."

Fun-loving

Ronald joined the army in 1943 and was stationed near Colchester in Essex, learning to become a draughtsman while training and leaving the army in 1947 to pursue that trade.

He also married Evelyn in 1945, enjoying nearly 66 years of marriage before her death in 2011, aged 86, and having three children - Mel and his sisters Janet and Susan - as well as 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Mel said his father was also a long-term Wolves supporter and enjoyed hobbies of carpentry, gardening and playing snooker, with Ronald still playing once a week until lockdown began.

He said: "My father has been kind of in denial, jokingly telling everyone he's really 98, but he's secretly very proud to have made it to 100 and is looking forward to getting his letter from the Queen.

"We always joke with him that he has too much salt and sugar, but he just enjoys his life, with everything in moderation, and he's so full of life that I'm not surprised he's made it to 100.

"My dad is an outgoing, fun-loving individual who loves being the centre of attention at a party, but also loves the simple things and loves being around his family."