UPDATE: Allan ‘Ike’ Fraser, a beloved figure in Tallangatta, is set to celebrate his 100th birthday on Wednesday, July 30, 2024. This milestone is not just a personal triumph for Allan, but a remarkable achievement considering that only around 6,000 Australians are centenarians, making up just 0.023 percent of the population.
Fraser, who lives independently in Tallangatta, has maintained an impressive routine. Every Tuesday night, he visits his son, Richard Fraser, a practice he has kept without fail. Richard shared, “Dad comes to visit the wife and I, every Tuesday night without fail. He just waltzes into the house and the greeting is always the same, ‘I’m still here.’
Allan’s vibrant spirit shines through as he prepares for a surprise birthday celebration at the Tallangatta Football Club this Sunday, where friends and family will gather to honor his legacy. Richard added, “Dad doesn’t know about the party yet and says he doesn’t want anyone to make a fuss about him turning 100.”
Allan’s connection to the Tallangatta Football Club is historic. He was a key player in the team, winning two premierships in 1945 and 1949. At just 20, he helped secure the inaugural flag in the Tallangatta and District Football League. Now, he is the only surviving member of that 1945 premiership team.
Richard, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a dual premiership player in 1979-80, along with his son Luke, who has also won two flags with the club, emphasized the family’s deep-rooted connection to this local institution. In a touching moment, both Allan and Richard were awarded life memberships of the club in 2018.
As the family prepares for the celebrations, they have received letters for Allan from notable figures, including The King and the Prime Minister. Richard revealed, “We have got a few letters here for him that we will give him on Wednesday night.” This adds to the significance of the occasion, marking not just Allan’s age but his impact on the community.
Allan’s life has been filled with diverse experiences. He worked as a dairy farmer, owned a local store, and even served in the Royal Australian Air Force. Remarkably, he continued to drive until five years ago, when he retired from using his Suzuki 4WD.
His approach to health is unconventional. Richard noted, “Dad has loved a beer all his life. He hasn’t been into eating healthy foods and going for a jog every day.” Despite his disregard for health fads, Allan has lived a long and fulfilling life, defying the odds.
As the family gears up for the festivities, they reflect on the countless cherished memories and the rich history Allan has created. The celebrations will kick off with a family gathering on Wednesday night, followed by the larger event at the club this Sunday.
The community of Tallangatta is expected to join in the festivities, celebrating not just a centenarian, but a local legend whose spirit and legacy continue to inspire those around him.
