John Tinniswood, a former Elder at Blundellsands United Reformed Church in Mersey Synod, and the world’s oldest man has died aged 112.
John, who died on 25 November at a care home in Southport where he lived, was awarded a Guinness World Records (GWR) in April, aged 111, when he became the world’s oldest living man, following the death of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Pérez from Venezuela. His record-breaking age was verified by Robert Young, GWR’s lead consultant for gerontology.
His family said the world record holder enjoyed an active retirement volunteering as a church elder at the former Blundellsands United Reformed Church where he used to enjoy giving sermons. He also enjoyed walking in Merseyside well in his late nineties.
John was born on 26 August 1912 in Liverpool, the city where he grew up and eventually met his wife, Blodwen.
The couple met at a dance and later got married in 1942, which John later recalled as one of his fondest memories. A year later, their daughter Susan was born.
During the Second World War, John served in the Royal Army Pay Corps, responsible for administering finances as well as organizing food supplies and locating stranded soldiers.
After the war, he spent his career working in accounts for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972, aged 60.
John enjoyed 44 years of marriage to Blodwen before she died in 1986.
From ages 100-110, John received a birthday card every year from Queen Elizabeth II, who was almost 14 years younger than him.
Of the recipe to long life, John told Guiness World Record that there wasn’t any secret to his record-breaking longevity, describing it as “pure luck.”
He added: “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”
John maintained an active brain throughout his old age, which potentially contributed to him living so long. He kept up with the news every day and managed all his own finances.
Besides eating a portion of battered fish and chips every Friday, John didn’t follow any particular diet, admitting he just ate “what they give me”.
His key advice for staying healthy is to practice moderation. He said: “If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much; if you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually.”
John was a lifelong Liverpool supporter, born just 20 years after the club was founded. He lived to see all eight of his club’s FA cup wins and 17 of their 19 league title wins.
When Guinness World Records asked John how the world had changed throughout his lifetime, he chuckled and replied: “It’s no better in my opinion, or hardly any better, than it was then. Probably in some places it is, but in other places it’s worse.
“The world has gone smaller because of modern travel, principally caused by the aeroplane.
“But since then, I can’t think of anything else that’s made the world much different. That’s only my opinion. Otherwise, it’s about the same.”
His advice for younger generations is: “Always do the best you can, whether you’re learning something or whether you’re teaching someone.
“Give it all you’ve got. Otherwise, it’s not worth bothering with.”
John lived to be the fourth-oldest British man in recorded history.
He is survived by his daughter, four grandchildren Annouchka, Marisa, Toby and Rupert and three great-grandchildren Tabitha, Callum and Nieve.
“His last day was surrounded by music and love. 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 NHS staff,” said John’s family in a statement to Guinness World Records.
“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.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and friends at this time.