Jack still in A1 shape at his 104th

One of the great characters of the Pilbara has blown the candles out on his miraculous 104th birthday cake. Beloved local and A1 Autos owner Jack Renault, who is believed to be the oldest person in Karratha, celebrated his birthday with family and friends at a pub down south on Saturday. Now aged 104, Mr Renault often still sits behind the desk at his store, answering phone calls, greeting customers, and selling batteries. Originally hailing from up-state New York, Mr Renault came to Dampier in 1968 when he was contracted as a painter by Hamersley Iron. He spent years with the company before taking over a friend’s auto parts store, A1 Autos, as a chance to work more independently. Mr Renault has a love of diving, fishing and the bush, which made Karratha the ideal place for him to settle. He also has a wide friendship circle, many of whom he met as customers at A1 Autos, who still visit him often. Mr Renault said there were many secrets to living a long and prosperous life. “Be lucky. Just, don’t be stupid,” he said.