John Tinniswood, the oldest man in the world, has died at the age of 112.
The World War II veteran died "surrounded by music and love" at his care home in Southport, England, his family told the Guinness Book of World Records.
Born on Aug. 26, 1912, Tinniswood came into the world just a few months after the sinking of the Titanic. He lived through two World Wars and saw the fall of Britain's empire, the largest in history at its peak. Tinniswood officially became the world's oldest man in April of this year, after the previous record holder passed away.
“John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf, thanks to all those who cared for him over the years,” the family said.
The Liverpool native was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Blodwen, who died in 1986. They met at a dance in Liverpool and married in 1942, going on to have one daughter, Susan, who is now 81.
During World War II, Tinniswood served in the Royal Army Pays Corps as an accountant and auditor. His work also included locating stranded soldiers and organizing food supplies. After the war ended, Tinniswood worked as an accountant for Shell and BP, retiring in 1972 at age 60.
Beginning on his 100th birthday, he received a birthday card every year from the late Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-serving monarch, until she died in 2022. The Queen - who was almost 14 years younger than Tinniswood - assumed the throne when he was entering middle age.
Tinniswood believed there was no secret to his longevity, which he chalked up to pure luck, although he lived by the motto "everything in moderation."
“If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much; if you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually," he said.
"You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it," he said.
Despite his more than a century on earth, Tinniswood believed the world had not changed all that much since he came into it.
"It’s no better in my opinion, or hardly any better, than it was then. Probably in some places it is, but in other places it’s worse," he said.
“The world has gone smaller because of modern travel, principally caused by the aeroplane."
“But since then, I can’t think of anything else that’s made the world much different. That’s only my opinion. Otherwise, it’s about the same."
