The world’s oldest man, a British World War II veteran born a few months after the sinking of the Titanic, has died at the age of 112, his family announced.
John Tinniswood, who earned the title as the world’s oldest living man in April, died Monday surrounded by family and friends in his UK care home.
“His last day was surrounded by music and love,” his family told the Guinness World Records.
“John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf, thanks to all those who cared for him over the years,” they said.
He is survived by his daughter, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, the family said.
Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on Aug. 26, 1912, a few months after the sinking of the Titanic. He lived through two world wars, serving in the British Army Pay Corps in World War II.
He was the fourth-oldest British man in history and the world’s oldest surviving WWII veteran.
The retired accountant put the secret to moderation — and fish and chips every Friday.
Even then, “it’s pure luck,” he said earlier this year.
“You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”
He said earlier this year that he felt “no different” turning 112, saying: “I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited over it. That’s probably why I’ve reached it.”
Tinniswood grew up in Liverpool where he would eventually meet his wife Blodwen at a local dance. The pair were hitched in 1942 and their daughter, now 81 herself, was born the following year. His wife died in 1986 after 44 years of marriage.
After serving in the Pay Corps during the war, Tinniswood worked in accounts for Shell and BP until he retired in 1972 at 60.
He moved to The Hollies retirement home in Southport, a seaside town about 20 miles from his native Liverpool, just before his 100th birthday, and affectionately became known as a “chatterbox.”
“His kindness and enthusiasm for life were an inspiration to the care home staff and his fellow residents,” his family told The Evening Standard.
Beginning on his 100th birthday, he received a birthday card each year from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was almost 14 years younger than him, until she died in 2022.
He previously urged younger generations to “always do the best you can” no matter what you are pursuing.
“Give it all you’ve got. Otherwise it’s not worth bothering with.”
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