Saunders

ROLLING BACK the years, Arthur Reginald Saunders recounted the good old days. Born on January 12, 1904, in St Andrew, he is the seventh of the eight offspring of William and Letteria Saunders.

At 105 years old, his voice is still powerful and his memory good. He has a keen sense of humour, which he displayed throughout the interview, as raindrops continuously played sweet music on the roof.

"Ah hope yuh not going to ask me to play the keyboard enuh, 'cause a going to charge you," said Saunders with a chuckle. "I don't work for free. I should always see where my labour will bear fruits."

In his younger days, Saunders was a top carpenter who gained the admiration of many. That was how he met Isolline, who later became his wife. The union brought forth a bundle of joy on seven occasions.

"I made sure my family was well taken care of. I did whatever I needed to do to ensure that they were OK, especially in the kitchen, while the wife was at work," Saunders told The Gleaner.

Family man

The green walls in the living room where he sat showed how much of a family man Saunders is, and how much he is loved and respected.

There were family portraits, plaques presented to him, his framed biography and an autographed photo and birthday greeting card from the Queen of England.

"That was given to me on my 100th birthday, it was a wonderful day," he reminisced.

Although he was not actively involved in any sport, Saunders used his spare time wisely.

"I exercised regularly, and also learnt to play the piano, a skill that later came in handy," he said.

Based on his disposition and demeanour, one would, at first glance, probably not believe his declared age.

"People don't believe that I am 105 years old, so I present this (removing his passport from his pocket) as proof. It must be because I look so young," he said, laughing heartily, before putting on his sunglasses.

"Mek sure yuh gimme back," he said, referring to the passport.

Maas Reggie, as he is affectionately called, passes his days reading or enjoying the sweet sounds from his piano keys.

He is 105 not out and batting on.

'People don't believe that I am 105 years old, so I present this (removing his passport from his pocket) as proof. It must be because I look so young.'