BIOGRAPHY

Roger Auvin was born in the commune of Champagné-le-Sec in the Vienne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, on 20 March 1908, to parents Edmond Auvin (born 1884) and Célina-Eugénie Bonnet (born 1886). He was the eldest child in a family with 7 children (5 boys and 2 girls). Two of his siblings were: Edith (1921) and René (1923).

In 1931, he moved into a house in Limalonges, where he would spend the rest of his life. Before World War II, he worked in an arms factory. At some point, he married Yvette Surrault (1912–2007). The couple had two sons, Jean (who passed away in 2007) and Rémi. Throughout his career, he worked in various construction and repair trades, while his wife, Yvette, managed their shop.

On his 107th birthday, he was surrounded by his brother René and his son Rémi and was visited by Annette Machet, the mayor of Limalonges, who was accompanied by the municipal council. Auvin insisted on toasting with everyone. His brother René reflected on his longevity, suggesting that it might have been due to his tireless work ethic and deep involvement in community life. Auvin served as President of the civil home, oversaw the theater section, and was instrumental in founding the first senior citizens’ club in Sauzé.

On his 110th birthday, when asked how it felt to be 110 years old, he replied, “It doesn’t make me any younger!” To celebrate, a dozen children from the three classes of the nursery school came to wish him a happy birthday and sang a song composed in his honor.

On his 111th birthday, it was reported that he no longer spoke much and had difficulty hearing, but he still recognized all his relatives. He no longer watched television or read the newspaper, yet he did not take any medication.

Roger Auvin passed away in Limalonges, Deux-Sèvres, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, on 13 October 2019, at the age of 111 years, 207 days. At the time of his passing, he had seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters. One of his great-great-granddaughters gave birth shortly before his passing, bringing the family to six living generations before his passing.

RECOGNITION

On 24 November 2016, following the passing of 110-year-old Georges Massard, he became the oldest (known) living man in France, at the age of 108 years, 249 days. He held the title until his own passing in October 2019, when he was succeeded by Jules Théobald.

ATTRIBUTION

* Roger AUVIN – geneanet

* “Les 107 printemps de Roger Auvin” – La Nouvelle République, 24 March 2015

* “Deux-Sèvres. À 108 ans, le doyen des Français vit toujours dans sa maison” – Ouest-France, 8 December 2016

* “Les 110 printemps de Roger Auvin” – La Nouvelle République, 21 March 2018

* “Le doyen des Français fête ses 111 printemps aujourd’hui” – Le Courrier de l’Ouest, 20 March 2019

* “Nouvelle-Aquitaine : le doyen des Français, Roger Auvin, est décédé à 111 ans” – Sud Ouest, 15 October 2019

GALLERY