Celebrating 100 Years: Sammy Stage
Sammy Stage has credited “good genes” for a long and happy life as he celebrates his 100th birthday.
He was surrounded by family and friends to mark the milestone occasion at Renaissance Care's Torry Care Home.
Sammy was born in Aberdeen on March 31, 1926 to parents Alex and Meg and raised in Rosemount where he attended Skene Square Primary School and Rosemount Junior Secondary School.
In his youth, he played junior football for various clubs and played the accordion in a three-piece-band that entertained guests at weddings and functions all over Aberdeen.
During the Second World War, he served with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and saw action in Germany.
I have lived a good, full life. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Sammy Stage, Resident
He became the battalion shoemaker and carried the craft into civilian life, making footwear for Lewis Stewart in Rosemount and Millan Monroe on Union Street.
Sammy also loved to play bowls and organised bowling activities in the community. Looking back on a life well-lived, the 100-year-old says his proudest achievements were getting married to his late wife, Ellen, having their children David and Lorraine and playing football.
Asked if there was anything he’d liked to have done differently, Sammy says: “I have lived a good, full life. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
He added that the best invention in his lifetime was the mobile phone and encouraged others to “live a full life and be kind”.
Sammy lives at Renaissance Care’s Torry Home, where staff threw a party to celebrate his 100th birthday, surrounded by friends and family.
Music was provided by Callum Cowie, a local musician who responded to a social media request from staff looking for an accordion player to perform for Sammy’s big day.
“I explained that I was looking for an accordion player that would be willing to help us celebrate a very special occasion and that one of our residents who used to play the instrument was turning 100,” says Gemma Coutts, wellbeing lead at Torry Care Home.
“Callum, who performs as Diamond Memories, was more than happy to help and offered his service free of charge. He said seeing smiling faces is enough payment for him!”
Jemma Critchley, home manager at Torry, said: “We love celebrating special occasions, and there are few more special than a 100th birthday. Sammy is a joy to spend time with and has lived a life full of wonderful experiences and memories. It is a true honour to share in this milestone with him.
“We wish Sammy the happiest of birthdays and hope he enjoys a truly special day surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
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