Kenneth Weeks, the Clarence Valley’s oldest resident, will celebrate his 109th birthday this week.

Born in Grafton, the eldest of five children to Darcy Weeks and Dorothy Forster nee Loxton, on October 5, 1913, he enjoyed many happy times as he grew up alongside his two brothers and two sisters, and later attended primary school in Carrs Creek and Grafton High School.

When World War II broke out, Mr Weeks applied to join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and despite taking flying lessons, he was told he was ineligible to serve due to medical reasons.

While Mr Weeks identified his small stature as a probable factor in the RAAF’s decision, he was determined to make a contribution and drove trucks along the Coffs Coast, assisting in the construction of airfields at Evans Head, Coffs Harbour and Nabiac.

During the early years of WWII, he met and married Jean McPhee in Grafton, and the couple went on to have two sons, Noel (deceased), and Ian.

After he developed an interest in radio and electronics, Mr Weeks later opened and operated an electrical sales business which was located at 59 Prince Street, Grafton.

Following the relinquishment of the business, he and his wife opened and ran a milk bar from the same premises for several years.

Mr Weeks and his brother Gordon later worked together as bus drivers before he took up a position at the local Electoral Office which he held for 10 years.

Mr Weeks also developed a keen interest in boats and boat building and constructed a VS class sailing boat in his grandmother’s garage when she lived next door to him in Greaves Street, Grafton.

Another of his interests included small trucks which he enjoyed tinkering with during his spare time, converting some of them to camping bodies.

While he has always enjoyed his independence, Mr Weeks entered aged care at Whiddon Grafton in September 2018, and continues to enjoy the quiet life.

Mr Weeks son Ian currently lives in Melbourne and talks to his father each week, describing him as a private and personal man who has always enjoyed good health, and is well looked after in his present home.

Mr Weeks has five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and more than 10 step-great-grandchildren.