Reg unfazed by century milestone

Turning 100 “doesn’t really worry” Reginald Louden, who will celebrate the extraordinary milestone today.

The humble man, best known as the owner of Express Print on Beach Road, has been a prisoner of war, a linotype operator for the South Western Times, married twice and had three children.

For many people, their lives would seem rather boring in comparison, but Reg, as he is affectionately known to his friends and family, doesn’t like to make a fuss.

“I didn’t think I’d reach that,” Mr Louden said.

“I’ve been very lucky.”

Mr Louden’s remarkable life started at Kalgoorlie on December 22, 1913.

At the age of 14, he joined the printing industry as an apprentice linotype operator for the town’s newspaper, the Kalgoorlie Miner.

He stayed with the newspaper until he volunteered for the army during World War II and became part of the 2/28th Battalion.

In 1942 his battalion was sent to the Middle East — where Mr Louden was taken prisoner while fighting south of the famed El Alamein.

He eventually escaped after two years and, after travelling on several boats through many countries, he returned to Kalgoorlie.

It was there he married Dulcie, with the pair moving to Bunbury in 1951 with their first child.

Mr Louden has three children, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

His daughter Kerry Kirkpatrick, who now runs the print shop, said he was a legend.

“He’s an amazing man,” she said.

“He keeps pretty good health and gets well looked after.”

Mr Louden has had the privilege of meeting royalty including King George VI, his wife and Princesses Elizabeth (now Queen) and Margaret at Buckingham Palace.

But today he will celebrate with the best company of all — his family.