John celebrated his big day with family and friends at the Linlithgow Canal Tearooms.
John was born in Bo'ness and has lived for 69 years in Linlithgow. He was happily married to Janet Russell Beecroft (nee Tait), but she was known as Jean. They were married for 69 years. Jean sadly died in November 2021.
John and Jean had one son, named Gary Beecroft and 2 grandchildren, Natalie and Rosie. Sadly Rosie died aged 9 years in 2004. Natalie is now 26 years old.
John was a coach builder by trade and ended his career as a workshop manager. He was a member of Falkirk ski club and Linlithgow hill walking club. As a very young man he spent some time in the RAF serving in Lincolnshire and Egypt in World War II.
His secret to a long and happy life is a dram a day. Plus the love of his close and extended family, including his younger brother William, his niece Valerie and family and his wife's family. His wonderful Linlithgow neighbours and ex-neighbours help him enormously and his son, Gary, and wife, Carolyn, are very grateful for all the love and support showed to John.
On 16 December the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Linlithgow, Caroline Maclachlan and Councillor Harry Cartmill representing West Lothian Council attended his party with family and friends at the Linlithgow Canal Tearooms to give their congratulations to John on the occasion of his 100th birthday, presenting him with a card and a beautiful bunch of flowers.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Lothian, Caroline MacLachlan said: "It was a pleasure to join John, his wonderful family and friends to celebrate his birthday. He is a very special man and on behalf of Their Majesties The King and Queen I'd like to wish him a very happy birthday."
