Guinness World Records has announced with deep sadness the passing of John Tinniswood, the world’s oldest man, who departed this life at the remarkable age of 112.
Tinniswood breathed his last at a care home in Southport, England, on Monday, November 25.
His family took a moment to reflect on his final day, stating, “His last day was surrounded by music and love.”
The loving family of Tinniswood extended their heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to his care over the years.
“His last day was surrounded by music and love. John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf, thanks to all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies Care Home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist and other NHS staff,” they remarked in a statement to Guinness World Records.
Born on August 26, 1912, in Liverpool, Tinniswood grew up in a vibrant city rich in culture and history.
It was here that he met his future wife, Blodwen, at a dance in the early 1940s. Their love story culminated in marriage in 1942, a day Tinniswood cherished as one of his fondest memories.
Just a year later, the couple welcomed their daughter, Susan, into the world. Tinniswood’s life unfolded against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II.
He served heroically in the Royal Army Pay Corps, where he was tasked with managing finances, organizing food supplies, and performing the pivotal duty of locating stranded soldiers.
After the war, Tinniswood embarked on a faithful career, dedicating himself to the world of finance. He worked for notable firms like Shell and BP and gracefully retired in 1972 at the age of 60.
Tragedy struck the family when Blodwen passed away in 1986, but Tinniswood’s spirit remained undaunted.
For ten years, from ages 100 to 110, he received a birthday card from Queen Elizabeth II herself, a remarkable acknowledgement given that the Queen was nearly 14 years his junior.
In an extraordinary turn of fate, Tinniswood became the world’s oldest living man in April 2024, following the passing of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Pérez from Venezuela.
Remarkably humble about his longevity, Tinniswood often attributed his record-breaking age to “pure luck.”
There isn’t any secret to it,” he remarked. “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”
Despite the odds, he maintained an active and engaged mind throughout his long life, keeping up with current events daily and managing all his finances.
While he enjoyed a Friday tradition of indulging in battered fish and chips, Tinniswood did not adhere to any specific diet, sheepishly admitting to simply eating, “what they give me.”
His key insight into maintaining health revolved around moderation, as he sagely noted “If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much; if you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually.”
A lifelong supporter of Liverpool F.C., Tinniswood was born just two decades after the football club’s founding.
He took pride in witnessing his favourite team’s eight FA Cup victories and 17 of their 19 league titles.
Reflecting on the changing world throughout his extensive life, Tinniswood candidly shared, “It’s no better in my opinion, or hardly any better, than it was then. Probably in some places it is, but in other places it’s worse.”
He acknowledged the impact of modern travel, primarily through the advent of the aeroplane, stating, “The world has gone smaller.”
Ultimately, he felt that, in many respects, life remained fundamentally the same.
In his cherished wisdom, Tinniswood advised younger generations to strive for excellence. “Always do the best you can, whether you’re learning something or whether you’re teaching someone,” he urged. “Give it all you’ve got. Otherwise, it’s not worth bothering with.”
Holding the distinction of being the fourth-oldest British man in recorded history, Tinniswood is survived by his beloved daughter, four grandchildren Annouchka, Marisa, Toby, and Rupert and three great-grandchildren Tabitha, Callum, and Nieve.
His family lovingly recounted his many admirable qualities “John had many fine qualities. He was intelligent, decisive, brave, calm in any crisis, talented at maths, and a great conversationalist.”
