The avid carpenter and gardener, who also used to dance six nights a week until he reached 90, was a manager in Vietnam’s Forestry Department before following his five children to a new life down under.
Son Bruce says his Dad is very content gardening, cooking and reading newspapers while helping to raise his nine grand-children and three great grand-children.
“He can’t believe that he’s actually reached 100,” Bruce said.
“He does have a brother who is 94 but no one else among his family has ever lived past 70.”
With his Dad thrilled to have received birthday messages from the King, Prime Minister and Premier, Bruce put his longevity down to the fact that his father had never smoked or drunk alcohol and led an active life in the garden and on the dance floor.
“If you were to ask, though, what is his secret to a long and happy life, as an ancestor worshipper, he would say there are many watching over me,” he said.
Celebrating his 100th milestone at Bach Dang Vietnamese restaurant in Canley Vale, Bruce said his father particularly loved sitting on the King’s Chair which his grand-daughter had rented specially for the occasion.
“We are just so happy and grateful to have Dad still with us; he is our hero and inspires us all everyday,” Bruce said.
