LongeviQuest is pleased to confirm that Owen Filer, the oldest living man in Wales, is celebrating his 107th birthday today, 19 October 2026, in his hometown of Cwmbran, South Wales.
Owen marked the occasion with a special afternoon tea at the Parkway Hotel, where he was joined by his three children, Ann, Barry and Judith, as well as several of his 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Speaking about the family gathering, Owen’s great-granddaughter, Lily May Bailey, explained how the annual celebration provides a rare opportunity for relatives to come together. “We’re getting all the family here to The Parkway, for coffees, cakes, probably a whisky for him. We’ll spend a couple of hours together because this is the only time we all get together for a catch up!”
For the occasion, Owen proudly wore a specially designed jumper bearing the words “Vintage, Made in 1919”, a gift presented to him ahead of his birthday by LongeviQuest UK researcher Ben Hinchliffe. As family members and guests sang “Happy Birthday”, Owen blew out the candles on a personalised birthday cake commemorating his years working as a railway signalman.
Another particularly touching gift came from the children of a primary school situated directly opposite his home. The pupils presented Owen with a handmade birthday card which they all signed, describing him as a “Llanyrafon Legend” — a fitting tribute to the affection and admiration he inspires in his local community.
When asked what makes her great-grandfather so remarkable, Lily May highlighted his extraordinary memory and continued curiosity. “He has the most amazing memory! He remembers people that he was in the army with, even their full names and where they lived. He remembers people he used to write to all over the world. I think that’s what’s made him the way that he is, he’s still learning!”
Owen with his 3 children: Judith, Barry, and Ann.
Early Life and Family
Owen Stanley Filer was born on 19 October 1919 in Pontnewydd, Wales, to Stanley Filer (1891–1945) and Leah Richards (1894–1985). He had an older sister, Dorothea (1918–1988), and a younger brother, Kenneth (1926–1995).
His childhood was marked by severe poverty, with the family often struggling to afford food and other basic necessities. Reflecting on those early years as he reached the age of 107, Owen spoke candidly about the hardships he endured. “How I got here I’ll never know. Nobody ever thought about old age in our family. We had no food, we had no money, and that’s God’s truth, we had NO money!”
In 1943, while serving with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers during the Second World War, Owen married Laura Griffiths (1918–2004). Together, they raised four children. Their eldest son, Gareth, was born on 8 May 1945, coinciding with Victory in Europe (VE) Day, while Owen was stationed in India.
Following his return to Wales in 1946, Owen and Laura settled in Cwmbran, where he continues to live independently today.
Courtesy of Lily May Bailey (Owen’s great-granddaughter)
A Special Tribute to His Military Service
The birthday celebrations began several days before Owen’s actual birthday, with a special day of festivities organised on Friday, 16 October, by members of the Royal Military Police, with whom he served during the Second World War.
The celebrations began with a reception and homemade buffet at the Tredegar Veterans Support Hub. During the gathering, Owen was presented with a commemorative statue by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, in recognition of his military service.
After the reception, Owen was accompanied by a full military police escort to the historic Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr. Opened in 1894, the venue is recognised as the oldest cinema in Wales, providing a fitting setting for a special tribute to the country’s oldest living man.
On arrival, Owen and his youngest daughter, Judith, received a surprise red-carpet welcome before attending a private screening of his personally requested film, the 1954 Norman Wisdom comedy One Good Turn.
Darren Foote, a fellow veteran who helped organise the celebrations, spoke warmly about Owen’s character and his approach to everyday life. “Owen doesn’t understand all the fuss. He’s just a really nice, down to earth guy. He still gets up in the morning, puts on a clean shirt, puts his tie on, and cleans his shoes. He gets up with purpose, and I think we can all take a leaf out of his book.”
(Source: Press Association)
The Secret to Living to 107
Despite reaching an age few people experience, Owen does not believe there is a particular secret to his longevity. Instead, he attributes his long life to living properly, working hard, avoiding overeating, and enjoying simple, traditional meals.
Among his favourite foods have always been fish and chips, along with Welsh cakes made by his mother: “I lived on fish and chips. A scoop of chips and a fish, cod or hake, it was genuine, good food. Welsh cakes too, my mother made them every weekend!”
Reflecting on the changes he has witnessed over more than a century, Owen remarked on the rising cost of his favourite meal: “You can’t afford to buy it now though, fish and chips, can you? It’s such a change!”
Owen has also expressed surprise at having lived to such an advanced age. While he never expected to reach his 107th birthday, he reflected candidly on the world he finds himself living in today. “I didn’t think I’d ever make it this far, but I thought it would be a better world I would be living in.”
His great-granddaughter, Lily May, who is 28, was equally struck by how little he appears to have changed over the years. “He was in his seventies when I was born and I feel like he hasn’t aged. He looks the same now as he did when I was younger. There are photos of him holding me as a baby and it honestly could’ve been 2 years ago. He’s like Benjamin Button. He literally is Benjamin Button.”
Owen’s daily routine, immaculate appearance and determination to remain active reflect the purposeful outlook admired by those around him. Even at 107, he retains a sense of humour about his remarkable age, often describing himself with characteristic modesty: “I’m a young old man, aren’t I?”
As Owen celebrates his 107th birthday, his life story offers a remarkable perspective on more than a century of Welsh history. From a childhood shaped by poverty to military service during the Second World War, decades of family life, and his continued independence in Cwmbran, his experiences span generations of social and historical change.
(Source: Cwmbran Life)
LongeviQuest extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Filer on his 107th birthday. We wish him continued happiness and many more cherished moments with his family and loved ones.
