WWII veteran Hans Christensen turns 103

There’s laughter from behind the doors – hearty and almost gregarious as we enter WWII veteran Hans Chirstensen’s room at the Lodge on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 23.

Christensen is in his element, receiving his birthday gifts from his two daughters, Sonja and June, who had come down to Tofield as part of Christensen’s 103rd birthday celebrations at the Tofield Lodge on Friday, Feb. 22.

Christensen has been at the Lodge for a while now – 18 years – but what’s the secret to his longevity.

“I never smoked or drank, but most importantly I had been surrounded by good cooks all my life,” Christensen said.

Stationed as the Air Force Officer in England during WWII, Christensen and his wife Winnie would exchange many letters by slow mail.

“In those days the postal service was fast, we received letters through air mail, and it was during one Christmas that Winnie and I got married,” Christensen recalled. “She would never let me go back to England without a ring on her finger!” . . . contd.