World’s oldest man dies at 112

The world’s oldest living man, John Alfred Tinniswood, has died at the age of 112, his family confirmed.

He passed away on Monday at the Hollies Rest care home in Southport, where he had lived for over a decade.

Mr Tinniswood, a lifelong Liverpool football fan, became the world’s oldest man in April 2024 following the death of Juan Vicente Pérez Mora at the age of 114.

Born on 26 August 1912, the same year the Titanic sank, Mr Tinniswood was recognised as the UK’s oldest man in 2020 and later entered the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest man alive earlier this year.

According to BBC, he is survived by his daughter Susan, grandchildren Annouchka, Marisa, Toby, and Rupert, and great-grandchildren Tabitha, Callum, and Nieve.

In a statement, his family described him as a man of “many fine qualities”, adding, “He was intelligent, decisive, brave, calm in any crisis, talented at maths, and a great conversationalist.”

These traits were particularly evident during his service in the Royal Army Pay Corps during World War Two, where he managed accounts, auditing, and logistics, including locating stranded soldiers and organising food supplies.

Mr Tinniswood met his wife, Blodwen, at a dance in Liverpool. The couple married in 1942, had their daughter Susan in 1943, and spent 44 years together before Mrs Tinniswood’s death in 1986.

After the war, he worked for Royal Mail before pursuing a career as an accountant with Shell and BP, retiring in 1972. In retirement, he remained active, volunteering as a church elder at Blundellsands United Reform Church, where he also gave sermons.

Reflecting on his longevity in an interview with the BBC, Mr Tinniswood said he had no idea why he lived so long, insisting he was not in any way different from anyone else. “You either live long or you live short – and you can’t do much about it,” he said.

Since turning 100 in 2012, Mr Tinniswood received annual birthday cards from the monarch, first from Queen Elizabeth II and later from King Charles III. His family expressed gratitude for the well wishes he received on his recent birthdays, saying, “He really appreciated these birthday greetings and other messages of support.”

The family also thanked those who cared for him, including the staff at the Hollies care home, NHS professionals, and well-wishers. They requested donations in his memory to Age UK or a charity of choice.

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