FELLOWSHIP, Portland — An upbeat O’Neil McKenzie celebrated his 103rd birthday on April 6 and despite being partially bed-ridden, he was happy to reach another milestone.

“I feel like a young boy but I am not as strong as I used to be. I feel good having just celebrated 50 years of marriage,” declared the man family and friends call Mr Mac, Mass Neil or Brother Mac.

“We must live peaceful with people and whatever you do, do it in a peaceful way. We need to enjoy life and laugh; it is very important,” added McKenzie who marked the day with members of his church family.

McKenzie, who served as an elder at Bethesda Gospel Chapel in Port Antonio, would normally take his birthday cake to the church, cut it with his wife Hyacinth, and share with fellow church members with ice cream that he dearly loves.

This time the church members journeyed to his house and McKenzie was happy to see them as they sang, shared memories and cut his birthday cake.

“I give God thanks to be alive to see 103. We have to live good with everyone, love them, live in peace and trust God,” declared McKenzie before he added his popular phrase, “Strong like a lion, weak like a rat,” with a smile on his face.

McKenzie strongly believes that his Christian faith plays a major role in his longevity.

“I trust God and I serve Him. When we love God and are obedient to Him we will live long. Children, obey your parents. Love your neighbour as yourself as when we do this we will live long,” he said.

“Caring for people, living and eating right are some simple principles. My wife Hyacinth has been good to me and we just got to 50 years of marriage, let God be praised,” said McKenzie.

The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 4, 2021.