Lithuanian migrant ‘Stan’ Eimutis celebrates homeland’s independence

WHEN Lithuanian migrant Stasys Eimutis was born in 1916 his homeland wasn’t free. But today the Mt Waverley grandfather is happy to be around to celebrate the centenary of Lithuania’s independence declaration.

Stasys “Stan” Eimutis with his kankles ensemble in traditional costume at Lithuanian Club in North Melbourne. Picture: Norm Oorloff

WHEN Stasys “Stan” Eimutis was 99, he became the oldest person in the world to have a heart valve replaced.

And now Mr Eimutis is celebrating the centenary of his native Lithuania’s independence — a milestone that he himself achieved almost two years ago.

MT WAVERLEY MAN OLDEST PERSON TO HAVE HEART VALVE REPLACED

SCOUTS CELEBRATE LITHUANIAN HERITAGE AT HISTORIC WONGA PARK CAMP

HOW AUSTRALIANS TOOK TO THE ‘BEAUTIFUL BALTS’

Stasys Eimutis with from left Lithuanian ambassador to Australia Gediminas Varvuolis and Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Darius Skusevicius. Picture: Vytas Levickis

The Mt Waverley grandfather, who will turn 102 in April, has amazed visiting dignitaries from Lithuania, who were stoked to find a compatriot in Melbourne who is older than the Baltic nation’s freedom declaration.

Lithuanian community member Stasys Eimutis is 101 and still very active. Picture: Foto Moon Doogas

“What’s the secret of your long life?” asked Lithuania’s ambassador to Australia Gediminas Varvuolis.

“Music, singing — all of my family were musicians,” said Mr Eimutis during a special event on the weekend to mark Lithuania’s independence.

Mr Eimutis, who migrated to Australia in 1949, makes kankles — a traditional Lithuanian plucked string instrument — as well as leading a local kankles ensemble.

“They won’t let me retire,” he said, to which Mr Varvuolis retorted: “That’s good, the more you’re needed the better for you.”

Lithuania’s Deputy Foreign Minister Darius Skusevicius said the visiting delegation’s main aim was to thank Lithuanian communities in Australia for supporting their ancestral homeland through its 50-year occupation by the USSR from World War 2.

“During the time we were occupied, the Australian community did a great job here to highlight our plight, and they’re still continuing to keep traditions alive,” he said.

Stasys “Stan” Eimutis and Professor Ian Meredith at Monash Medical after his aortic valve replacement.

The delegation also included representatives from Lithuanian hi-tech laser research outfit Litek, who visited Swinburne University’s Centre for Micro-Photonics to discuss co-operating on research projects.

Deputy director of the Swinburne centre is Lithuanian-born Professor Saulius Juodkazis, who has earned international recognition for his work on nanotechnology and optical physics.

Members of the Lithuanian delegation with community members at Melbourne’s Lithuanian Club.

Mr Skusevicius revealed that Australia and Lithuania are working on bilateral issues such as a working holiday deal to allow youth to work in each other’s nations.

The delegation has also met with MPs and government department heads, and visited Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide.

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@JMasanauskas