David Kemp turned 100 on Friday and his family told The Hemel Hempstead Gazette his secret to having a long life is taking a positive approach and trying to enjoy every day as it comes.
David was prematurely and actually named Christopher, because the doctor told his parents that if he lived until Christmas, he would be fine.
His family says he has always been known as David and his love of food started when he was given milk and brandy to build up his strength as a baby.
On Friday the long-time Watford season ticket holder enjoyed a birthday celebration at The Lodge Care Home in Hemel Hempstead. He was joined by fellow residents, and family and friends, as well as former Hornets defender Ian Bolton.
David was raised in Kings Langley and left school at 14, and worked a number of jobs locally, including: delivering fish and chips, completing shoe repairs, and picking up eggs from a farm. His family described David as a pre-Amazon delivery service.
During the Second World War, he worked in a factory making munitions for the Royal Navy. He was also in the Home Guard, and was an ARP messenger.
David also managed to go to the cinema in Watford regularly in his spare time. His National Service was spent in the Royal Horse Guards, where he was posted to Berlin. His jobs included making sandwiches for the officers, and manning the petrol station.
David moved on to working in the Ovaltine factory. Eventually he qualified as a psychiatric nurse at Leavesden hospital where he worked until his retirement. His family say he has many stories from his time working in the health service.
He married Eileen, in 1955. They have two children, Jennie and Robert, and two grandchildren, Alex and Edward. David has been described as a ‘great’ dad and granddad.
David and Eileen lived together in the same home in Hemel Hempstead for 67 years. Their family say they had an active role in the community attending gardening clubs and going to music concerts.
Once retired they travelled far and wide, including to faraway nations such as Australia and Canada, the family revealed.
They moved into The Lodge, nearly five years ago. Last year Eileen died, but David’s family say he remains ‘positive and cheerful’.
Beyond his love of Watford FC, David is a fan of westerns and war films, he also enjoys detective television series’ and classic comedies like Last of the Summer Wine.
He relishes going out with his children to have a look around his old haunts, often ending up at a garden centre to have a nice cup of coffee.
A petting pony visited the Lodge for David’s special day. He was joined by family, friends, and ex-neighbours including one who moved to New Zealand. David was also joined by his best friend, who he has known for over eight decades.
The Former Watford defender Ian’s visit was also greatly appreciated. Residents enjoyed hearing tales of what football was like in the 70s and 80s, the ex-centre back also hung around for a question and answer session.
