VB and true love: Townsville legend Leslie Dodt cracks the century mark

An ice-cold VB every afternoon and the unwavering love of his wife Grace. That’s the secret to a 100 years of good living, according to Townsville’s newest centenarian Leslie Dodt.

Townsville's Leslie Dodt celebrated his 100th birthday on March 25th with his wife Grace and extended family.

It’s a milestone that of us many hope to reach, but for Townsville’s Leslie Dodt, reaching 100 years of age was an emotional moment.

Next to his wife of 73 years, Grace, Mr Dodt and his extended family celebrated his life on Tuesday with a buffet at the Twin City Hotel.

His granddaughter Brenda Stone, an accomplished artist in Townsville, said it was wonderful to see everyone celebrate her granddad’s life.

The secret to his long life, he says, is a VB a day.

Townsville's Leslie Dodt celebrated his 100th birthday on March 25th with a morning tea.

“He has a VB every single afternoon, that’s probably what's kept him going,” Ms Stone said.

“He isn’t a man of big words, but he was quite emotional on his big day.”

Mr Dodt said he enjoys reading the newspaper and having a VB in the afternoon, which he credits as the secret to his longevity as well as the ongoing support and love from his wife.

Ms Stone said it was an emotional day reminiscing on his life.

“I’ve never seen my granddad cry, before so that was very beautiful. He always gives accolade to his wife Grace, who’s been his support for so many decades,” she said.

Born on March 25, 1925, in Gatton, Mr Dodt spent his childhood days in his birth town and Tent Hill.

Leslie Dodt and his wife Grace at Townsville Airport in front of their granddaughter Brenda Stone's mural. Picture: Brenda Stone

His first job after leaving school was working on the family farm, while his longest was working at Carlton United Malting for 36 years.

Marrying his love Grace 73 years ago at the Lutheran church in Minden, the pair went on to have three children.

They now have six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, many of whom travelled from Tasmania, Cairns and other spots around the country to celebrate his big day.

Still living independently at Carlyle Gardens in Condon, the couple moved to Townsville from Toowoomba 27 years ago to be closer to family.

Townsville's Leslie Dodt celebrated his 100th birthday on March 25th with a morning tea.

Still travelling to their favourite places, including Mr Dodt’s favourite spot, Tasmania, the couple have not let age slow them down.

“What has kept them going was being around family, they loved and have embraced Townsville,” Ms Stone said.

“They love to travel and still travel, which is amazing. I have a photo of them at the airport in front of the mural that I made, which is just such a beautiful thing to have.”

“He’s very content and he and my grandmother have lived a simple live full of love and family,” Ms Stone said.

Originally published as VB and true love: Townsville legend Leslie Dodt cracks the century mark