The world's oldest man, Walter Breuning, has died at the age of 114.
Walter Breuning Image: Associated Press |
Mr Breuning, who died after a short illness in hospital in Montana in the US, was the oldest man and second oldest known living person on the planet - surpassed by a mere 26 days by Mrs Besse Cooper who also lives in the US.
His 114 years included a 50-year career on the railways - mainly as a clerk - working seven days a week. Having outlived two World Wars, Walter Breuning also saw many milestones during his life including voting rights for Women in the US in 1919 (the year he bought his first car the Great Depression; the dropping of the atomic bomb; Beatlemania and the rise of the internet.
A strict diet of two meals a day, never taking medication stronger than aspirin and a strong work ethic that embraced change help Mr Breuning to live to such a great age. He also held a strong principle of helping others.
The title of World's Oldest Man now rests with Japanese resident Jirouemon Kimura who celebrated his 114th birthday just two weeks after Walter Breuning's death.