“We were given two ears and one mouth - if we listened twice as much as we spoke, we’d learn a lot more and be able to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and realise how we can help them.”
“We were given two ears and one mouth - if we listened twice as much as we spoke, we’d learn a lot more and be able to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and realise how we can help them.”
These words of wisdom come from Don Pederick, a beloved SwanCare resident who celebrates his 100th birthday this September. Don’s life has been a remarkable journey of compassion, faith and dedication to others.
From Country Roots to City Life
Born in Wagin, Western Australia, on the 19th of September 1925, Don was the eldest of six children. He fondly recalls growing up on the family’s mixed farm, where daily life revolved around caring for animals and working the land, including ploughing, seeding and harvesting. With his horse Laddie and sheepdog Teddy by his side, Don’s chores included milking cows, feeding horses, separating cream from milk and raising chickens. “I remember harnessing the horses - we didn’t have tractors back then,” he shared. “Riding and caring for them was a big part of life.”
After finishing school, Don attended agricultural college and worked on the farm for six years. In 1947, the farm was sold and the family moved to Perth in search of new opportunities after the war.
A Life of Service
Don’s love for people led him to the church. A youth camp sparked his interest in ministry, and he soon began six years of intensive training. He went on to serve as a minister in the Methodist (later Uniting) Church for 40 years, dedicating his life to faith and community. “What I’m most proud of is being faithful to the gospel,” Don shares. “I’ve always believed in God - that was my family background. Being faithful was the strongest point of what I was required to do, with zest and enthusiasm.”
In 1976, Don became President of the Methodist Church of WA and was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal. “It was a recognition of faithfulness and developmental work in the church and community,” he says. “I was the figurehead, but it involved so many people.”
A Love Story Rooted in Faith
Don met his wife Judith (Judy) through the church, where she was active in youth groups. “She wrote to me regularly while I was studying in Adelaide,” Don recalls. “When I returned, I asked her to marry me - she said yes, and we lived happily ever after.”
They married on the 19th of March 1953, a day Don remembers with joy. “Back then, the bride and groom didn’t see each other on the wedding day. My brother escorted me, and I waited at the front. I was conscious of this white angel coming up beside me - and when I looked at Judith’s face, she was an angel, alright.”
Don and Judy shared a deep love for the church and a commitment to helping others. Judy trained as a nurse and was especially passionate about caring for sick children. “She was always an advocate for nursing procedures,” Don says. “She loved helping children.”
Judy passed away in 2019 at SwanCare Kingia, where she spent her final months. “She died with dignity and bravery,” Don says. “We were all so proud of her. People say you get over it, but life doesn’t feel the same.”
Retirement with Purpose
Don retired 35 years ago but never slowed down. He volunteered as a chaplain at Silverchain Hospice for 12 years, supporting people in their final stages of life. Twenty years ago, he moved to SwanCare, where he quickly became involved in the community. “I joined the residents’ council for two terms, drove the buggy for years, and helped build the chapel at Kingia,” he says. “Now I’m living a quieter life - exercising, playing lawn bowls, and enjoying concerts.”
Reflections on 100 Years
From farming to ministry to aged care, Don says the most important lesson he’s learned is love. “I learned to love animals and meet them at their point of need. I do the same for people - love them as they are and care for them.”
Don believes in lifelong learning and staying open to new experiences. “I went to a concert by the SwanCare Allsorts Choir recently - they were so enthusiastic, it made me think I’d like to join. So, I may or may not,” he laughs.
A Celebration of a Lifetime
Don is modest about reaching 100. “There’s nothing magical about the number,” he says. “Back in my day, 100 was very old. Now it’s more common. I suppose I’ll get a letter from the King - I always wanted one from the Queen but never did. It’s a sense of achievement and celebration. As I give my love and concern to people, it comes back to me too.”
To mark the occasion, Don will celebrate with a dinner on his birthday and a party the following day at The Club. “There’ll be well over 100 people - friends from SwanCare,
old friends, relatives, and my family: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.”
Words to Live By
Don’s advice for younger generations is simple but powerful: “Always be available for other people’s point of need. My chief work was helping people, whatever the need may be. If we listened twice as much as we spoke, we’d learn more and understand how to help.”
And his secret to a long, happy life? “Choose your parents carefully,” he jokes. “But really, it’s about having an optimistic outlook. Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things are.”
Don’s story is a beautiful reminder of the impact one person can have through kindness, faith and community spirit. If we all lived a little more like Don, the world would be a better place.
At SwanCare, all retirement village residents who turn 100 are granted our ‘Live for Free’ policy, which waives their fortnightly service fees. This initiative allows our residents to enjoy their later years with us at no extra cost, a policy we are both proud and privileged to provide.
Happy 100th Birthday, Don, and welcome to the Centenarian Club!
