Lethbridge man celebrates 100th birthday – Lethbridge [Video]

A Dutch immigrant who moved to Lethbridge, Alta., after the war is celebrating a century of love and joy with his friends, noting the importance of personal connection at all stages of life.

Tony Vander Beek was born on a farm in the south of Holland in 1925. He says it’s unbelievable to have made it to 2025.

“What can I say? It is like a dream.”

A man of faith, Vander Beek says he is honoured to have lived for a century.

“Thankful to the lord for all he has given you. He gave me a wonderful life and now I am even a hundred years. What can I say? Thank you, lord.”

His early life was punctuated by moves across his homeland before the ‘bad years’ began.

Germany, led at the time by Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, invaded the Netherlands.

“I’ll make it short. It was terrible,” said Vander Beek.

Despite the Germans demanding all men help their war …