True Southport local marks 100th birthday in the town where he was born

From birth to building his family home on the same streets, one man’s extraordinary century-long love affair with Southport reaches a milestone celebration.

Bernard Neuendorf is a true Southport old boy.

Born at Sandown Hospital on The Esplanade in Southport on December 1 1925, the man better known as Cec celebrated his 100th birthday at his home on Sunday, still, in the suburb of his birth.

Bernard (Cec) Neuendorf surrounded by his children (L) Carolyn, Sue, Theresa and Ian as he turns 100 years old on Monday, December 1. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Surrounded by friends and four generations, including seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, Cec said it was “a lovely day”.

With a VB in hand, daughter Theresa Boland said Cec’s taste for the Aussie beer came from her late mum Edna.

“Mum loved VB,” she said.

Bernard (Cec) Neuendorf celebrates with a beer as he turns 100 years old on Monday, December 1. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“I think she got him onto it.”

Cec’s own mum Caroline Neuendorf worked at the Queens Hotel Southport, and is now buried at the Southport Cemetery.

He married his wife, Edna, in 1952 at the original Southport Catholic Church on Scarborough Street, and went on to build their family home on Eugaree St, Southport.

Bernard (Cec) Neuendorfs wedding day with his wife Edna and the collection of Birthday Cards including one from from The King as he turns 100 years old on Monday, December 1. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Neuendorf worked at the South Coast Dairy on Scarborough St, finishing his working life at Gold Coast City Council until retirement.

He was a Scouts Master and spent years fundraising and volunteering for the Scouts and Southport Catholic Church.

But his kids say his biggest achievement in life was raising the four of them.

Originally published as True Southport local marks 100th birthday in the town where he was born