When Wal Hopkins celebrates his 101st birthday on May 15, his (very) old mate Vern Roberts will be there to celebrate with him.
“He turned 100 last year,” said Mr Hopkins daughter Julie of her father’s childhood friend and fellow centenarian.
As Star Weekly reported last year, the pair were neighbours in Footscray for 70 years until Mr Hopkins moved into Arcare Maidstone in November.
Fortunately the pair will be reunited along with dozens of Mr Hopkins family and friends on Thursday to celebrate another year in what Julie Hopkins described as a “very interesting and varied life.”
“He has the Order of Australia medal for his community work in Footscray, scouting and the YMCA in particular,” said Ms Hopkins listing off her father’s many achievements.
“He’s received citizen of the year twice, once with Footscray council and once with Maribyrnong. He’s the only person to be awarded twice.
“He’s also the oldest living AFL umpire. He’s a life member of the AFL umpires association.”
The oldest of his four children, Ms Hopkins said her father had slowed down a bit in recent years, with failing hearing and eyesight and needing a wheelchair to get around.
“He loves his music and he still follows the football,” she said of what her father still enjoys doing.
“He barracks for the Bulldogs of course. They presented him with a number 100 jumper for his 100th birthday.”
With the club celebrating their own centenary this year, Mr Hopkins is older than them.
