Harold 'Keith' Watson says the secret to a long and healthy life is to keep active and involved.

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The retired school principal celebrated his 100th birthday on June 7 with friends and family before getting back to his busy life which includes weekly boxing sessions, physio and regular excursions.

Keith was born in Murwillumbah on June 7, 1926, the first of four children of Alice and Albert Francis Watson, who was a cabinet maker of fine polished furniture and a World War II veteran.

Keith lived in Charlestown, Newcastle for 50 years and now lives in Bexley with eldest son Geoff and his wife, Sally.

Keith followed his grandfather into primary school teaching, commencing in 1946 at Megan near Bellingen. He played football and cricket at Bellingen which is also where he met the love of his life, fellow school teacher Joan Meldrum.

They were married in 1950 and both taught at schools in Murwillumbah for the next 15 years. Keith also taught at Woodenbong Centre School, and was deputy principal at New Lambton for six years and was principal at Garden Suburbs Primary School for 10 years, retiring in 1986.

His first school job was at age 20 teaching in a one-teacher school at the settlement of Megan, teaching seven children aged between eight and 16-years,

"He had to catch the milk truck up from Bellingen in the morning and get the log truck back after work before he could afford to buy a bicycle," Keith's son, Allan said.

Keith said his years as a teacher have taught him that despite the passing of time, kids are still the same.

"Children don't change," he said.

Keith has been a keen sportsman, playing tennis, football, cricket and golf.

He has been active in the community, serving on many committees as president, secretary or treasurer for golf, swimming and tennis clubs and school committees and raising funds for various charities. He is also a strong Anglican church member.

Keith raised three sons - Geoff, Neil and Allan - and looked after Joan, wife of 67 years, during her 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. He is loved by his four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Keith had a major bypass surgery when he was 66 and had to change his diet and exercise.

"He made a big decision to change and it has given him another 34 years," Allan said.

"When the doctor told him he had got to do his exercises to stay fit, he has done it. He still does physio each week and gets his boxing gloves on.

"He still likes to be involved. We took him to the Opera House in May and he was able to get up all the steps and stayed awake right through the performance."

Keith enjoyed a big family celebration on June 7 and a follow-up celebration with friends on June 11 at the Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre where he is a member of the Social Support Group program which helps its members to stay connected, gain confidence and maintain independence through social activities and healthy lifestyle.

"It's nice to have a 100th birthday,' he said. "I'm very happy to be here with these wonderful people. You look after me very well. You've made my 100th birthday even better. I feel very important," Keith said.

"Keep on living. Keep doing things. If you want to do something, then do it," he said.