‘Try to do the best you can where you are’: Maritimer celebrating 100 years shares his best advice

Tennesea Schwetz is pictured with his wife of 57 years while he blows out his candles in a photograph from a previous birthday.

There was no free parking at the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame in Petitcodiac, N.B., on Saturday afternoon. Over 50 people came together at the hall to celebrate Tennesea Schwetz’ 100th birthday.

The centenarian said he was thrilled with all the people who came but he doesn’t give much thought to age.

“How do I feel? Well, it’s hard to say. One never thinks about how long you’re going to live,” said Schwetz.

Schwetz won’t officially turn 100 years old until Thursday, but the celebration couldn’t wait for a Maritimer who’s played many parts during a century of life including World War II veteran, teacher and beloved husband and family member.

Originally from Saint John, N.B., Schwetz’ parents bought a farm on the Gagetown Army Grounds before moving to the Cornhill area in the early 1950s, after Schwetz’ joined the military.

“I enlisted at age 18 and it took quite a while to train me to do all the things they wanted me to do,” Schwetz said. “So the war ended after a couple of months after I got there, but I was overseas for some time and I served with the RAF Coastal Command.”

Schwetz took a radio and television repair course when he left the military.

“I think it went reasonably well because I was hired on as staff to teach and I was there for 28 years and it was one of my most fulfilling jobs I think I could have found,” he said.

After 100 years, Schwetz said one experience stands above the rest.

“My very best accomplishment was finding and marrying the girl I married,” Schwetz said. He lost his wife of 57 years 11 years ago. He said it was a “very happy marriage.”

“When we had something to talk over, we didn’t quarrel about it, we discussed,” he said.

People of all ages and from every chapter of Schwetz’ life came to wish him a happy birthday Saturday. Among the piles of birthday cards were letters from the premier, the prime minister and the king – a few more memories to add to his storied life.

During his party, Schwetz said there was one item left on his bucket list: “I’ll take an early retirement to bed tonight.”

Amidst the laughter and jokes, Schwetz offered one piece of wisdom for a long, happy life.

“Try to do the best you can where you are.”

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