Avocet Court resident Peter Smith celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by his family and friends and when asked about the secret to his long and happy life, Peter shared his wisdom with a smile: “Be contented with what you have.”
He credits his longevity to the happiness he found in his family and the 70 wonderful years he spent with his beloved wife, Doris.
Peter’s birthday was a fitting tribute to a Suffolk man whose life has been filled with remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication. The celebration was notably themed in blue to honour his lifelong support for Ipswich Town, a club that has brought him immense joy, especially now as they will play in the Premier League this season.
His Ipswich Town cake was made by a member of the Avocet Court care team and pictures of Peter from over the years were attached to the balloons which decorated the home for his celebration.
Peter was born in 1924, spent his early years and went to school in Felixstowe, an older brother to two sisters. An avid athlete in his youth, Peter was a proud member of the Suffolk relay team, competing in the 4 by 400 yards race. His passion for sports also saw him excel on the football field, where he played as a centre forward.
During the turbulent years of World War II, Peter lived in Ipswich, contributing to the war effort as a member of the Royal Marines for four years. After his service, he built a career spanning various industries in Ipswich. For 21 years, he worked at well-known pharmaceutical company Fisons and also served as a caretaker at Suffolk College. Additionally, he spent time at Churchman’s, the cigarette manufacturer, where he worked in the cutting shop.
In August 1947, Peter married the love of his life, Doris. Their love story began as pen pals during Peter’s time in the Royal Marines, and they got engaged after a year of correspondence. Their marriage lasted a remarkable 70 years, a testament to their deep bond and shared life. Together, they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Janet, and were blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Peter’s life was enriched by hobbies – he bred chickens, tended to his garden, and had a passion for cooking. Growing up by the beach instilled in him a lifelong love for the seaside, and he enjoyed traveling with Doris whenever he could.
Now life at Avocet Court keeps him busy and he is a regular for taking part in all sorts of activities and, of course, following the sport on TV – Many happy returns Peter.
