Emma Pritchard

Kenneth “Ken” Weeks, the Clarence Valley’s oldest resident and the country’s oldest known living man, celebrated his 111th birthday earlier this month at his residence at Whiddon Grafton.

With his loved ones by his side, Mr Weeks enjoyed a low-key affair this year after his 110th birthday in 2023 was commemorated in spectacular style by Heinz Australia who personalised 300 cans of his favourite food, baked beans, with his portrait in his honour.

Born in Grafton, the eldest of five children to Darcy Weeks and Dorothy Forster (nee Loxton), on October 5, 1913, Mr Weeks enjoyed many happy times growing up in the Clarence Valley alongside his two brothers and two sisters.

He later attended primary school in Carrs Creek and Grafton High School, and when World War II (WWII) broke out he applied to join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

After being informed he was ineligible to serve due to medical reasons, he was determined to contribute to the war effort and assisted in the construction of airfields at Evans Head, Coffs Harbour, and Nabiac.

In the early 1940s, he met and married Jean McPhee in Grafton, and the couple went on to have two sons, Noel (deceased), and Ian.

A member of the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia, and a devotee of clean living, Mr Weeks does not smoke or drink, and has always enjoyed an independent lifestyle, only entering aged care six years ago following the passing of his wife.

Described by his loved ones as a very quiet and private man, Mr Weeks was treated to a bagpipe rendition of Happy Birthday as per his request.