Community
1 September, 2025
‘Enjoy life to the fullest’
GREAT-grandfather Bill Honeywell has turned 100 and warned those at his birthday bash that he doubts he’ll make another 100 years.
Nearly 100 people gathered to celebrate the milestone of the Gordonvale resident at Mission Beach Resort earlier this month, with people travelling from NSW and all over Queensland.
Mr Honeywell cut his cake, made by his 96-year-old sister Rhoda, with his six great-grandchildren by his side.
“It’s been a fair journey getting this far and I’ve enjoyed it 99 per cent,” he told the gathering
“I appreciate everyone who’s been a part of it. I’m not sure I’ll make another 100 years but I’ll continue to put my best foot forward and see if I can go a few more.
“All I can wish for is that everyone here today gets the opportunity to be in my position.”
Mr Honeywell said the secret to 100 years was “keep moving and busy, enjoy life and share it with someone you love”.
“I got 72 years with (his late wife) Betty” he said.
William Richard Honeywell was born on August 17, 1925 at Finch Hatton (near Mackay) the fourth child of Fred and Dulcie Honeywell.
He grew up on a cane farm and married the love of his life Betty on January 11, 1949. They they had three children: Mavis, Sandra and Graeme.
They moved around in the early days but soon set up the family home in Sheppards St, Gordonvale, close to work at the Mulgrave sugar mill as an engineer for 40 years.
Guests were told he spent his spare time tinkering in his shed or was out on the water trying to get that next big catch.
After retirement, the couple bought a small parcel of land at Bingil Bay and built a special shed as well as working on a house.
In retirement he found a passion for running, competing in many masters’ games throughout Australia and even in New Zealand as well as regularly taking part in the Great Pyramid Race. He was a torch bearer for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Mr Honeywell was also credited with helping to establish the Pyramid Residential Care Centre in Cairns Rd, Gordonvale.
