You might remember Tom Barry.
Mackay Life published a story about Tom in our May 6 edition earlier this year, speaking to him about his incredible life story and his telling of it in his memoir ‘The Prodigious Leap’.
Tom raises his bat next Monday, August 1, celebrating his 100th birthday with a book launch this weekend.
Tom has already received birthday cards from some high-profile friends including member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia David Hurley and his wife Linda and, of course, the Queen.
“She wrote ‘Dear Tommy,’” Tom jested with a cheeky grin.
“No, she did not, don’t tell lies,” Ann laughed.
Tom says turning 100 is an exciting occasion, but it all starts again come August 2.
“I have no worries, nor should I have,” he said.
“When the second of August comes, you make new plans.
“There’s always something new to look forward to.”
Friends and family will help Tom celebrate, with guests travelling from as far as Adelaide, Brisbane, and Victoria, some of which he hasn’t seen for years.
Tom and his wife Ann say Tom’s book wouldn’t have been published as quickly and successfully as it has without the support of Bolton Clarke’s At Home Support team, the Regional Arts Development Fund Grant and the generosity of their family and friends including Jo Penola and Jo and Doug Blackhurst.
“You can’t even begin to say the amount of time and effort and money and all sorts of stuff that they’ve done, and they do it without thinking, they do it because they want to,” said Ann.
“They’re just beautiful people.”
Tom is the recipient of a package provided by Bolton Clarke which brought now close friend Jo Penola into his and Ann’s lives.
“I still think it’s an amazing thing that a homecare package for an aged person can help them with things like that because one of the things it’s meant to do is help a person with the package reach their goals,” said Jo.
“When you’ve lived a hundred years, obviously you’ve seen a hundred years’ worth of stuff happen, so that’s just so amazing, and (Tom’s) got such fabulous recall of that hundred years.”
“Well, that’s because it was so interesting,” responded Tom.
‘A Prodigious Leap’ will be available for purchase and signing by author Tom Barry at Magpies Sporting Club tomorrow, Saturday, July 30 between 1 and 5pm.
The book can also be purchased on Amazon.
Tom and Ann Barry
