JACK Pullen’s neighbours, friends, and family have celebrated his 100th birthday at his home in Imperial Court, Wokingham.
“He was over the moon,” said daughter-in-law, Annet Pullen.
More than 50 well wishers joined together to celebrate Jack’s birthday, and admire his card from The King.
“The place was buzzing with laughter and the clinking of glasses,” she added.
Born in Twickenham, Jack was called up as a young man during World War Two. Joining the Royal Air Force in 1942, he was stationed first in Scotland, and then Anglesey, Wales.
“Barbara, his future wife, was also helping with the war effort,” said Annet.
“She was in the Women’s Land Army, driving tractors and ploughing fields in Surrey.
“But, while visiting her friend in Twickenham one weekend, she met Jack at his local Saturday dance, and the two fell in love.”
Romance blossomed, and in 1946 the couple were married.
After leaving the RAF the following year, Jack’s technical experience earned him a place at Racal Electronics, Isleworth, where he worked as quality assurance manager.
When the company relocated to Bracknell, Jack and Barbara moved to Wokingham, where they brought up their two children, Annet’s now husband Roger, and his sister Jill.
“Jack was very successful, and did a lot of travelling with his work,” said Annet.
“And after 35 years he and Barbara retired to Hampshire, where they continued to enjoy travelling, cruising, and sequence dancing together.”
In 2016, following the loss of Barbara, Jack returned to Wokingham to be closer to his family, which now includes great grandchildren.
“He’s remarkable,” said Annet.
“At 100, he’s independent, still does everything for himself, and has a great sense of humour.
“People who meet him often think he’s only in his 80’s.
“It must be in the genes.”
