It’s not every day you turn 100 years old, so Joe Dow’s family ensured it was a memorable one for the centenarian.
Joined by around 60 members of friends and family, former farmer Joe, from Echt, was treated to a delicious lunch on Saturday.
Joe was born in the Echt area and has spent all of his life there.
His parents had a rented small holding of 45 acres and he had one sister.
He also began his farming career at a young age, something he would do until his retirement.
He later met his wife Mima and they married in April 1955, the same year as he took tenancy of 123 acres at Garrick Farm in Echt.
They went on to raise five children, four sons and one daughter.
Farmer Joe turns 100 in birthday celebration at Echt Hall
It was at Garrick farm where he began his successful turkey enterprise.
Gradually, this was replaced by an expanding seed potato business.
He also became a renowned cattle and sheep seller, with dealings spreading as far from Wick to Stirling.
In future years he purchased several more farms including South Lasts and Milltimber.
As age started to catch up with Joe, he moved into his and Mima’s retirement home in Carlogie.
Mima died 10 years ago.
Even in his retirement, Joe still keeps himself busy keeping up with the news and the Marts.
Joe’s daughter Aileen said: “He’s in very good health for his age, and he still loves spending time with his family, as we do with him.”
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