Baked beans.

That’s the secret to a long and happy life according to Kenneth “Ken” Weeks.

As he celebrated his 110th birthday on October 5, surrounded by his loving friends and family at his residence at Whiddon Grafton, the Clarence Valley’s oldest resident, and the country’s oldest known living man, had his love of the humble dish immortalised courtesy of Heinz Australia, who commemorated his milestone by personalising 300 cans of his favourite food in his honour.

Featuring his portrait and a special birthday message, the cans were proudly presented to Mr Weeks by Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis, who said it was a great way to celebrate the occasion.

“It was really special,” he said.

“Who would have picked baked beans as the secret to a long and happy life?”

“It was a great way to celebrate his birthday, and full credit to Heinz Australia for what they’ve done.”

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 alongside his two brothers and two sisters.

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

After being informed he was ineligible to serve due to medical reasons, he was determined to make a contribution 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.

Mr Weeks later opened an electrical sales business in Prince Street, Grafton, after developing an interest in radio and electronics, before opening and managing a milk bar from the same premises for several years alongside his wife.

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 five years ago following the passing of his wife.

“He’s had a remarkable life” said his son Ian Weeks, who journeyed north from Melbourne to celebrate his father’s birthday last week.

“The cans were a very special surprise for him, and it was wonderful to be here to celebrate with him.” 

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 11 October 2023.