Guinness World Records is saddened to learn that Bob Weighton, who held the title for the oldest person living (male), has passed away due to cancer. Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr. Weighton’s family at this difficult time.
His family confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep this morning (Thursday 28 May 2020) at his flat in Alton, Hampshire, UK.
Bob Weighton was officially confirmed as the oldest person living (male) at 112 years and 1 day on 30 March 2020.
Amidst the UK rules around social distancing, a GWR adjudicator was unable to meet Bob in person as they normally would to celebrate the remarkable milestone.
Instead, the assisted living home where Bob lived arranged for Happy Birthday to be sung to him on his balcony. He was then presented with his certificate, all from a safe distance.
"It's sad having to say goodbye to Robert so soon after awarding him his certificate for oldest living man. I feel honoured in having had the chance to meet this unique individual - albeit virtually - and to celebrate his life in the pages of our book. Our thoughts are with this family, who I hope will see his entry as a lasting memorial to a remarkable man." - Craig Glenday, Editor-in-chief, Guinness World Records
Bob was born on March 29th 1908, in Kingston-Upon-Hull, Yorkshire and was one of seven children.
Bob later lived and worked in Taiwan, then Canada during World War II, before returning to the United Kingdom once the war ended in 1945.
Once settled back in the UK, Bob took up a teaching position at City University, London.
Bob is survived by three children, 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
When told of his record-breaking achievement back in March, Bob said;
“I can’t say I am pleased to hear that the previous holder has died but I am very pleased that I've been able to live so long and make so many friends”.
The oldest person ever to have lived is Jeanne Calment (France), who lived to be 122 years and 164 days, and the oldest man ever is Jiroemon Kimura (Japan), who was born on 19 April 1897 and passed away aged at the age of 116 years and 54 days on 12 June 2013.
The oldest person living is Kane Tanaka (Japan, b. 2 January 1903) who lives in Fukuoka, Japan.
Guinness World Records is currently investigating the title for the oldest person living (male). Further information will be announced upon confirmation of the next record holder.
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