At 106, Sunshine Coast World War II veteran Richard Scott has a simple recipe for a long life: “A good wife, working hard, keeping active, good food and good beer in moderation”.
Known as ‘Mick’ to family and friends, Mr Scott celebrated his birthday on August 3 surrounded by loved ones at the Caloundra Power Boat Club.
Despite reaching the remarkable milestone, Mr Scott had a simple assessment of how he felt at 106.
“Pretty well,” he said.
His advice for younger generations was just as straightforward.
“Plain living – put your phones down and talk to one another,” he said.
Born in Muttaburra, western Queensland, on August 3, 1920, Mr Scott grew up on sheep stations before becoming a stockman.
He developed a love of thoroughbred horses and sport, interests he has maintained throughout his long life.
At the outbreak of World War II, Mr Scott enlisted in the RAAF and served with the No. 10 Squadron as a tail gunner on the Sunderland Flying Boat.
Based in Britain, he completed missions across Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, Malta and Egypt.
During the war, Mr Scott met and married Welsh woman Muriel Trott in Cardiff in 1942.
After returning to Australia in 1946, Mr Scott settled with his family on the Sunshine Coast, purchasing a pineapple and banana farm at Eudlo before later moving to Landsborough.
Mr and Mrs Scott became active members of their communities, including through their involvement with local RSL sub-branches.
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After retiring, the couple moved to Caloundra in 1987, where Mr Scott continues to live at Golden Beach.
Sadly, after more than seventy years of marriage, Mrs Scott passed away in 2013.
Today, Mr Scott remains an active member of the Caloundra RSL Sub-Branch and enjoys regular visits to the Caloundra Power Boat Club, where he catches up with friends.
He also enjoys golf and spending time with his extensive family.
Mr Scott’s milestone celebration marked a remarkable life of service, community involvement and family, with four children, 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren.
