The past five years have done nothing to dull the wit of centenarian Winston “Woody” Richardson.
Now 105, he is one of Barbados’ oldest people but talking to him, it is easy to forget that.
Five years ago, he graced the cover of the MIDWEEK NATION, where he was striding next to then aide-de-camp Carlos Lovell, both smiling broadly.
Back then, Richardson was the one who paid a call on then Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave at Government House, a very rare occurrence, as it is usually the Governor General who visits the centenarian.
At that time, he was still living on his own in Rendezvous, Christ Church, but three years later, he moved a short distance to the Rendezvous Retreat assisted living complex.
Yesterday, Acting Governor General Sir Kenneth Hewitt visited Richardson where the centenarian said they had a “good exchange”.
After the visit, Richardson had some birthday cake, but complained his slice was too small. “I wish we had another party like this to go to tomorrow,” he added.
He also offered some tips for long living.
“Live good but don’t eat too much and eat food that is nourishing for you. It does not have to be a lot; cut down your quantities and never eat too much,” he said.
FLASHBACK: Centenarian Winston “Woody” Richardson (left) chatting with aide-de-camp Captain Carlos Lovell while taking a stroll on the grounds of Government House after his visit with Governor General’ Sir Elliott Belgrave on his 100th birthday in 2014.
Richardson is a former athlete, saying he used to run the then 220-yard (200-metre), 440-yard (400-metre) and 880-yard (800-metre) races. He was also a former president of the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association.
He also worked with the then Water Works Department, now the Barbados Water Authority, as a chief superintendent; was a ham radio operator for decades, founding the amateur radio organisation, and was a commodore of the then Barbados Cruising Club.
Lisa Richardson said her uncle was an example of how to live a good, long life.
“I think his longevity is a combination of being happy and eating well. He would tell you he grew up on yam, sweet potato and fish,” she said, while describing her uncle’s sense of humour as “out of this world”. (CA)
