Second world war veteran celebrates 103rd birthday

Bill Snow is still going strong now several years past his first century of life, as he celebrated his 103rd birthday this weekend at his Barrie home.

Snow served in the Canadian artillery during the Second World War. On Saturday, he was surrounded by family and friends as he celebrated yet another triple-digit birthday.

“I’m not tired of living yet,” said Snow in his interview with CTV News. “I still have another year or so maybe, and if I have (it), I’ll try to live it.”

Construction was always Snow’s area of expertise, as he continued to work in construction after his military service, eventually owning his own company.

When asked about his secret to longevity, Snow, like other local centenarians who have celebrated birthdays recently, kept his answer simple.

“My secret is just to mind my own business and do what I want,” he answered. “I owned my own company for years and I worked with people. When I got the right job, I did it, and that was it.”

Sally Gillespie, his only and ‘favourite’ daughter, pointed to his personality and lifestyle.

“I think he has a very strong personality, and he sticks to his guns,” explained Gillespie, who tries to drive in from Timmins on a monthly basis to visit her father. “Since he and my mom had been together, they lived a healthy hard-working lifestyle, and I think that’s what did it.”

Even into his 90’s and 100’s, Snow lives independently in his own home and has remained active in the community with his fellow local veterans.

“He’s a great friend. We met probably ten years ago when I was the parade marshal for the November 11 parade,” recalled Fern Taillefer, branch officer for Barrie Legion 147. “He wanted to march the parade, and I said ‘absolutely.’ And he’s been taking my salute every year now.”

Snow also stood strong and proud during the VE Day ceremony at the Barrie Legion this past spring.

“He’s a Barrie treasure,” added Taillefer. “It’s important to honour and remember our veterans, especially now. The average age of a World War II veteran is 100 years old. He’s 103. How many more years do we have with him? He’s done so much for his country, and I want people to remember what our soldiers have done for us.”