Community Celebrates Tom McCord’s 100th Birthday on November 8

Tom McCord is set to celebrate his remarkable 100th birthday on November 8, 2023, with a gathering at the Mataura Community Centre. Friends and family are invited to honor a man whose life has been filled with dedication to both work and community service.

Mr. McCord, a former electrician, music teacher, and worker at the local freezing works and paper mill, attributes his longevity to a simple principle: never stop working. He diligently maintained his electrician’s license, participating in required training courses until he was 98 years old. His daughter, Melanie Holland, along with his close friend Birgit Schonberger, is organizing the celebration to honor his contributions and character.

The bond between Mr. McCord and Ms. Schonberger began nearly two decades ago when he learned that she was a single mother of three living in Mataura. Offering his help, he repaired her home’s electrical issues without charge. Reflecting on his generosity, Mr. McCord stated, “I used to do a lot of jobs especially for solo mothers and I never charged them.” When asked about his motivation to assist others, he simply replied, “That’s just me. I just wanted to help them because they were in trouble some.”

Community Impact and Lifelong Friendships

Ms. Schonberger remarked on Mr. McCord’s selflessness, noting that his kindness has made a lasting impact on the community. She emphasized that he assists those who strive to improve their circumstances, highlighting his supportive nature. “Tom is the person who quietly and humbly sits in the background just going, you can do this, come on,” she said.

Mr. McCord’s memories of Mataura and the surrounding area stretch back to a time before cars and electricity became commonplace. He played a role in the initial electrification of Mataura, a significant milestone for the town. He recalled the days when the Gore Fire Station featured a bell tower that rang during emergencies, and how he used to cycle from Gore to work at the freezing plant, surrounded by bicycles daily.

His adventurous spirit extended beyond his work. Mr. McCord fondly recounted a wartime tale from Christchurch where he creatively used a rat to assist in running an electric cable underground. “Rats are very nice things … they’re good pets. They’re very intelligent, you know?” he shared with a smile.

A Celebration of a Remarkable Life

As the community prepares to celebrate Mr. McCord’s milestone birthday, Ms. Schonberger expressed pride in Mataura for the love and support shown to him in his later years. The birthday party will take place on November 8 from 1 PM to 5 PM at the Mataura Community Centre. Residents are encouraged to join in this special occasion to honor a man whose life has been dedicated to service and kindness.

For those who wish to attend and show their appreciation for Mr. McCord, the gathering promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a beloved figure in the community.