Barbados’ newest centenarian Albert Haig Pierce Weatherhead has done more than most in his lifetime.
He was not only a former medic in World War II but a top swimmer, an avid water polo player and a respected pharmaceutical manager at A.S Brydens.
His family today described him as an “amazing father, husband and grandfather,” as they gathered at his Pine Gardens, St Michael residence with Acting Governor General Kenneth Hewitt to celebrate his latest achievement.
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The family and caretaker of centenarian Albert Weatherhead.[/caption]
Though he said little during the visit, Weatherhead maintained a bright smile with a twinkle in his eyes.
One of his sons, Dr Louis Weatherhead heaped praises on his father, who until five years ago was still driving and swimming every day.
“He was born and raised in Bay Street in a humble place we all know as Harbour Lights.
“He became a pharmacist, enlisted in the Canadian army in the second World War and today he is the only surviving Barbadian Canadian serviceman, “ he told reporters.
Weatherhead is also a known sportsman, representing Barbados in swimming and water polo in the 1950’s and 60s.
He also represented the West Indies on its first and only water polo team at the Pan American Games in Chicago in 1959. In 1966 he founded Barbados’ first swim club, the Alpha Sharks Swim Club.
“He has been inaugurated in the Sports Hall of Fame in Barbados twice for his contribution to sport as a participant as well as an organizer/promoter of the sports of swimming and water polo.”
More important to his son however was the strict upbringing of a loving father.
My father was a “very fair and honest man, very hardworking, respectful and good man.
His daughter Josephina Weatherhead declared during the celebration, “Thank God for giving you 100 years of life and for being the most amazing father, and husband and grandfather. Thank God for all the blessings he has given.”
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Family and friends at today's celebration.[/caption]
Governor General Hewitt offered his congratulations to Weatherhead for achieving a “well played innings of substance.”
Wishing him many more years in good health, Hewitt lamented that too often those who helped to fashion Barbados were sometimes forgotten.
Weatherhead has three children and six grandchildren.
The post A giant of a man appeared first on Barbados Today.
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