Franciszek Kaizik, a resident at Bernard Sunley, our Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home, has been celebrating his milestone 100th Birthday, enjoying a fun-filled party and celebrating with his family and care home friends. Franc made Bernard Sunley his home in 2022. “My son Michael and I visited the care home and knew from the moment we stepped through the doors that it was the perfect place for me,” said Franc.
Franc, who grew up in Ruda Śląska in Poland, has lived in Woking for over 20 years. “Growing up, I have a succinct memory which, even today, makes me smile. As a child, my friends and I used to listen to the German soldiers playing the drums at the border crossing. They could definitely keep the beat, and we all found it rather entertaining.
“I also loved going to school, they were great times which I really enjoyed. It was very handy that my school was on the same street where I lived and I knew absolutely everybody,” added Franc. “My first job was in a factory making tools, but I decided to change my career path and become a Plumber,” continued Franc. “I loved working and my jobs. To be honest, I’ve never done a job that I didn’t like, and I have a strong work ethic, so would do any role.”
Franc says his Father was the most influential person in his life. “My Father always used to say two things, ‘Respect people and they will respect you’ and ‘Don’t just talk about it, do it’ and those are things have always carried with me. “Taking my Father’s word to heart, one of my proudest achievements is when my Wife and I purchased our home. We saved up and bought the property for cash and also the furniture, we never owed any money to anyone. We just did it.”
Franc’s happiest moment was when his Son, Michael was born. “I’d always put my family first and when Michael came along, I made sure that I continued to do so. Family first, work second – that’s it. “I have tried to pass on my Father’s words of wisdom to Michael,” continued Franc. “When Michael left school, he decided he want to be Photographer, which is a notoriously hard industry to crack and to sustain a living from. However, it’s what he wanted to do so I said, ‘Don’t just talk about it, do it.’”
“I have seen many things over my 100 years including The Moon Landing, the creation of computers and the internet and even sliced bread and England winning the 1966 World Cup, but the most historical event must be watching Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on 2nd June 1953 the television.”
“We wanted to give Franc a 100th Birthday party that showed him just how much he means to us all at Bernard Sunley,” said Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager of the care home. “He’s such a fantastic chap, full of interesting and inspiring stories, always smiling and a great friend to all the other residents.”
“I’ve had a marvellous birthday. The celebrations were amazing – banners, balloons, gifts, cards – and of course, a totally delicious birthday cake, it was a wonderful day. Everyone at Bernard Sunley pulled out all the stops to make it such a special day – and the care team are so similar to me as we are a family here and they always put all the residents first, no matter what,” concluded Franc.
Find out more about Bernard Sunley care home by calling 01483 764 300 or emailing [email protected].