From world wars and pandemics to social justice movements and the birth of the internet, Albert Middleton saw it all.  

When Middleton died last week, he was 109 years old and the oldest living man in Canada, although his life did not begin here. Middleton immigrated to Canada at 14 years old, going on to fight for Canada in the Second World War, and was the oldest Canadian veteran of the Second World War when he died.  

香蕉视频直播淚 feel prouder all the time that the veterans are still with us because they香蕉视频直播檙e very quickly not lasting. I香蕉视频直播檓 very lucky that my dad was a veteran,香蕉视频直播� Darlene Van Raay, Middleton香蕉视频直播檚 daughter, told Victoria News at Middleton's 109th birthday celebration last year. 

From his early life in Canada as a farmhand in Halifax working to repay the cost of his journey to Canada, to his days in the Royal Canadian Air Force, he was a man who lived many lives. Eventually through the Veterans Land Act, he purchased a hobby farm in 1952 where he kept pigs and cattle.  

Over the years he kept several odd jobs, attended night school and eventually retired in 1980. He even immigrated back to England at age 70 with his then-wife. After she passed, 90-year-old Middleton opted to return to Canada, this time choosing Victoria as his home. When he arrived in Victoria, he took up residence in an apartment across from Beacon Hill Park until the age of 101.  

In his final years, he lived at Broadmead Care香蕉视频直播檚 Veterans Memorial Lodge. 

香蕉视频直播淗e's been a very big part of our community here,香蕉视频直播� said Janet Power, the lodge's executive director. She described Middleton as very active up until the week before his passing.  

香蕉视频直播淗e was known for whistling and ... he propelled his wheelchair down the hallway with his feet.香蕉视频直播� 

The centenarian's life's pleasures were music, candy, and the odd glass of Crown Royal Whiskey.  

香蕉视频直播淗e loved people coming together. He was always cheerful and so many staff have known him for several years; they香蕉视频直播檙e sad and missing him dearly. He was a big part of the lodge where he lived,香蕉视频直播� Power said.  

香蕉视频直播淗e had a great smile, and that English accent and he香蕉视频直播檚 just left a lot of great memories here. The staff really miss him.香蕉视频直播�  

Middelton was married and widowed twice, and had three children. On March 11, he would have turned 110. Veterans Memorial Lodge plans to host a celebration of life for family and friends on that day.