One of the world’s oldest men dies weeks after turning 111

By Ed Chatterton via SWNS

One of the world's oldest people has died just weeks after celebrating his 111th birthday.

John Farringdon was born on June 7, 1913, and became the second oldest man in the world after reaching the incredible milestone on June 7 this year.

The supercentenarian had put his longevity down to "lots of female company", a nightly glass of Grant’s whisky and a full English breakfast.

He celebrated his 111th birthday with a barbecue, afternoon tea and a performance from an ABBA tribute band at his care home in Leamington Spa, Warks.

John also received 111 cards from well-wishers after staff at Cubbington Mill Care Home put out an appeal.

But today (Fri) the care home sadly confirmed John had passed away earlier this week and paid tribute to a "truly exceptional individual."

In a statement, they said: "It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear resident, John Farringdon, who left us peacefully at the remarkable age of 111.

"John was a valued member of our care home community and his presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

"John’s life was a testament to resilience. His lifelong beliefs and values included forgiveness, chivalry, truthfulness and optimism.

"He was courageous, strong, and a true gentleman.

"John led an incredible life: he worked at Ford Motor Company for 40 years, was the second oldest man in the world, carried the baton for the Queen’s Commonwealth Games, met the Red Arrows at Ragley Hall and even had the chance to be introduced to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Number 10 Downing Street.

"And let’s not forget, he was a Dancing Queen fan of ABBA!

"Our thoughts are with John's family and friends during this difficult time.

"We extend our deepest condolences and offer our support as we honour the memory of a truly exceptional individual."

John was born a year after the Titanic sank, when George V was on the throne and a year before the First World War broke out, in Enfield, north London..

His first job was repairing typewriters at the age of 16.

He then worked for car manufacturers Ford for 40 years - first in Dagenham, Essex, before moving to their foundry in Leamington Spa.

John made tank parts for the Army during the war years and he dreamed of being a Spitfire pilot, which unfortunately never materialised.

But the motor enthusiast continued his love of cars and was still driving up until the age of 103. Fittingly, his last car was a Ford Focus.

Last year, the politics fan also got to achieve a life-long dream of visiting Parliament and meeting the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Speaking on his 111th birthday, he said: "People ask me all the time what's the secret to living so long, I don't really know - maybe its all the female company that I've had.

"My earliest memory is being turned down by air force, I wanted to be a Spitfire pilot. They turned me down on account of my deafness. I could have cried.

"I do remember bits of the First World War too, all the zeppelins coming over.

"It doesn't feel much different to be honest, there's not that much difference between that and 110.

I didn't really know what was going to happen today, they kept all this a secret from me.

"I've just been trying to take everything in. I've had so many visitors."

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