Belgium's oldest man dies at 107 

Albert Van Raemdonck was born in July 1916, in the middle of the First World War and fought in the Second World War.

After the death of his wife in 1999, until he reached the age of 102 Albert continued to live at home in the centre of the East Flemish town of Sint-Niklaas.  After that he lived in residential care, where he passed away at the weekend.

During World War II, in 1940 he was one of the Belgian soldiers who took part in the 18-Day campaign, when German Nazi troops invaded and occupied Belgium. Until the age of 100, Albert would carry the standard of the National War Veterans Union (NSB) in the annual procession.

Before the start of World War II in 1940, he worked as a printer at a printing company in Sint-Niklaas. Even after the war, he remained in the printing business until he retired in 1976.

"Getting up every day with a smile," was one of his favourite sayings explains his grandson Gino Maes.  

He was fortunate to be able to live very independently until the age of 102. "He lived at home until that age and did his own shopping. On Sundays, he would have a beer with friends at the Sint-Niklaas market."

"My grandfather was hugely frugal, but also an epicurean. In the 70s and 80s He taught us to travel, with trips to Italy and Spain. He also went to Rome to see the Pope. He always wanted to be everywhere."

"He was quite strict, but fair and correct. He was orderly and liked cleanliness. Junk he immediately cleared out. He was an example for society, how he treated life and nature. Not throwing away any litter, keeping in contact with a lot of people and empathising with other people."

The oldest Belgian is a woman from Hainaut Province. In September she celebrated her 109th birthday. She wishes to remain anonymous.