Len Guy has lived through two world wars, the Great Depression and has seen major changes to society and technology.
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Mr Guy is one of the region's oldest residents and on Saturday he celebrated his 105th birthday with a lunch at Orange City Bowling Club where he was joined by multiple generations of his family, and friends.
"It was a surprise party," Mr Guy said. He was initially told they were going out for lunch.
"I'm from Binnaway, near Coonabarabran, we had a family business, a family store when the railway was going," Mr Guy said.
The small town is about 35 kilometres from Coonabarabran, and a park is named after him in honour of his business and volunteer contributions.
He said his father bought the store in 1917 and he worked there until he retired in the 1980s, then a son-in-law and a grandson took over.
Mr Guy married Binnaway girl Dulcie with whom he had four children Jenny Weston, Paul and Mark, another daughter Jill has died.
He moved to Orange a few years ago and celebrated his 103rd birthday at the Greenhouse of Orange. However, he had to celebrate his 104th birthday at home due to restrictions that were in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"There have been many changes, some for the good, some for the bad," he said.
"Us old people always think about the good old times.
"I've had very good friends and wonderful family."
Mr Guy spends most of his day on the computer now watching the stock exchange and keeping an eye on the football and horse races.
"I think people should live within their means and don't strive for too much, be satisfied with life, with good friends and close family," he said.
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