The celebrations were held on January 31, with Mr Ryan's family and old friends travelling from Leeton, Griffith, Wagga, Sydney and Forster to attend.

Mr Ryan received congratulatory letters from the Queen, Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli, Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom and other state and federal members and party leaders.

A special blessing was also received from Pope Benedict XVI as well as cards from residents in Leeton and surrounds.

Mr Ryan was born on January 31, 1910 and resided on his "Kurrajong" farming property at Brobenah for most of his life before retiring to Mulga Street in recent years with his wife of 69 years, Edna.

He had two sisters, Madge and Mollie, both deceased, a son Rodger (deceased) and two daughters Bev Stuart and Jan Fitzpatrick.

Mr Ryan also has seven grandchildren and 12 great grand children, who all still live in the MIA area. He is known to all as "Poppa".

His daughter Bev Stuart said her father was a fiercely independent, down-to-earth man, who enjoyed reading the papers, attending church every weekend, riding his scooter around town.

Mr Ryan believes the key to a long life is hard work, a home-cooked meal, a beer or two and a sense of humour.