SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE – Every Sunday, Lloyd “Doug” Johnson heads out to the Legion in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue to spend time with friends and sip on a cold beer.
Today was no different, except that the Second World War veteran was celebrating a birthday; his 100th birthday.
Veterans Affairs Canada estimates that there are 75,900 Canadian WWII vets left and their average age is 91.
That makes Johnson, a veteran among veterans.
During the war, Johnson was briefly stationed in England and then France.
According to his longtime partner of 22-years, Evelyne Pelletier, Johnson became a major while serving overseas.
“He’s got all sorts of medals from the war,” Pelletier said. “He was a war hero.”
After the war, Johnson stayed behind in Germany for a year to help with the rebuilding efforts.
When he came back to Montreal he opened a successful paper business.
“He made a good life for himself,” Pelletier said.
Friends at the Legion raised their glasses and toasted their good friend Doug.
“He’s a wonderful man,” said Pelletier. “He’s been a wonderful friend and lover, and all that good stuff.”
When asked how it feels to be 100, Johnson replied “It feels good.”
Maybe he’ll change his mind on Tuesday, when he really turns 100.
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