A century of service: Cyril Rothall’s life story

Cyril Rothall has lived a life that reads like an adventure novel. 

Born in the rugged southeast of South Australia near Cape Jaffa, Cyril was the eldest of five, growing up on a farm where rabbit hunting was a regular pastime. 

He learned the ways of the land, mastering wool classing and sheep shearing before the call of duty led him westward. At 18, Cyril found himself working in munitions, a precursor to his enlistment in the Air Force in 1943. 

After a rigorous six-week course, he joined the ground crew, specialising in airfield construction. 

From Melbourne, he was deployed to the islands of New Guinea and Borneo, witnessing the tragic reality of war as Japanese dive bombers attacked Allied ships. 

His squadron, highly commended for their vital work constructing airfields, even earned praise from the Americans. 

Returning home after the war, Cyril met the love of his life, Gwenda. They married in 1948, embarking on a journey of love and laughter. 

Through a government retraining scheme, Cyril traded airfield construction for bricklaying, a trade he plied for over 30 years, building not just structures, but a life for his family. 

He and Gwenda, with their two daughters, Julie and Dianne, settled in Woodville West, where Cyril built their family home. 

Retirement didn't slow Cyril down. 

He became a fixture in his community, driving the community bus for the Woodville council and volunteering to help children with disabilities. 

He and Gwenda explored Australia's vast landscapes on countless caravan trips, their shared love of adventure taking them to over 40 different caravan parks. 

A keen fisherman and an active member of the Woodville Bowling Club, where he served as President, Cyril embraced life with gusto.

Life, of course, has its seasons. 

Cyril lost his beloved Gwenda six years ago after 69 years of marriage featuring plenty of dancing and shared joy. He faced a few falls and health challenges, leading his daughters to seek the best care for him. 

They found it at Mount Carmel Residential Care, where Cyril is now a cherished resident. 

Today, at 100 years young, Cyril enjoys the companionship of fellow residents and the dedicated care of the staff. 

He appreciates the support he receives, especially the delicious food – he even indulged in poached eggs for breakfast as a special birthday treat! 

Cyril is far too humble to offer advice on longevity, even as a centenarian. 

But his life, a testament to service, love, and community, speaks volumes. 

It’s a life that subtly reveals the secrets to living well: embrace adventure, cherish loved ones, serve your community, and never stop smiling. 

To read about more of the celebrated centenarians in the Southern Cross Care Community, click here.