Ever since he was a boy, Ron Walesby wanted to fly planes.

Born into humble beginnings during the depression in Gladesville, Sydney, the dream seemed unattainable.

He was forced to leave school early and help support his family when his fathers' umbrella business folded.

But World War II changed that.

"Apart from a natural desire to join the armed forces I had a lifelong ambition to be in aviation as a career and I saw the air force as an opportunity to do that," he said.

Despite the NSW Fire Brigades considering him too precious to send off to war, Mr Walesby managed to enlist anyway.

Ron Walesby (top right) with his war time crew. ( Supplied: Warwick Walesby )

He was earmarked to go the United Kingdom to fly heavy bombers but after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour he was transferred to maritime surveillance, convoy escort and patrolling Australia's East Coast.

His son Warwick is in awe of his father's courage.

"I've flown planes myself and we have a GPS to tell us where we are, but those guys were thrown into an aircraft with very limited experience, the aircraft had very little equipment, particularly for navigation … and then you have people shooting at you."

Every Anzac Day Mr Walesby remembers friends who did not return.

"I never forget the dread I felt when I received my own letters returned to me, marked returned on Air Board Instructions," he said.

"I knew he [a friend Phil] was missing in action. I have never forgotten that occasion and there is never an Anzac Day gone by when I don't think of that."

Ron and Lois on their wedding day in 1944. ( Supplied: Warwick Walesby )

Happy marriage from the war

Mr Walesby met Lois in 1943 at a dry cleaning business in Coffs Harbour when he went to have the zip on his trousers fixed.

He was told by a middled-aged woman to come back later.

When he returned, he was greeted by a vivacious and attractive young woman.

Choosing to not to proceed with the original reason for his visit, he requested the trousers be shortened.

Ron and Lois Walesby. ( Supplied: Ron Walesby )

"Dad left the shop with shorter trousers, his fly still broken but with a love in his heart that was to continue to this day," Warwick Walesby said.

The pair have been married for 74 years, have three children, seven grand children and 13 great grandchildren.

They live in separate quarters at a retirement village in Port Macquarie.

Mr Walesby spends a couple of hours every day with his wife who has dementia.

"The biggest triumph in my life is a very loving and loyal family," he said.

Career in aviation

Mr Walesby's experience of flying planes in the war proved vital for a post-war career in aviation spanning fifty years.

After the war he attempted to start his own air service with surplus stock from the war effort.

Ron Walesby at Port Macquarie Airport.

Bu the planes were later deemed not to be fit for public airline use, as the glue used in the construction of the wing spar was not up to the standards required.

He joined East West Airlines rising to chief pilot and manager of Flight Operations — the airline was later sold and integrated into Ansett.

He then spent 16 years as general manager at South West Pacific for the Dutch plane manufacturer Fokker.

He flew the first plane into Port Macquarie in 1955.

"I've gone from one position to another, when one door closes another door opens," he reflected.

Secrets to a long life

Mr Walesby said the secret to a long life was to keep mentally active.

"I've always got something to do — I don't feel older.

"I don't smoke, I eat well."

He also said his relationship with God has sustained him.

"Mum would testify that he prayed on his knees without fail every night. He saw this as a private matter so it was rare to catch him doing so," Warwick Walesby said.

"Dad's faith in Christ is real, long lasting and strong, it defines him, his values and his world view."

At 100, Mr Walesby is in good health and exceptionally busy.

Ron Walesby at one of his 100th birthday parties. ( Supplied: Ron Walesby )

"I had three celebrations for my birthday," he said laughing.

Since his retirement from aviation 35 years ago, he has thrown himself into charity work.

He has raised thousands of dollars for Rotary and was the driving force behind the Port Macquarie Air Force Cadets and Rotary Lodge, the latter providing accommodation for patients and their families who have to travel to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

As for the his next 100 years?

"The mind is still willing but the framework is gradually wearing out."