Mr Boyle who lives in Port Macquarie loves being able to drive around town.

"I would be lost without my driving," he said.

Mr Boyle was a car mechanic by trade before he made the move to Port Macquarie to retire with his wife Joan.

He is in remarkable health, still cooking his own meals.

"The slow cooker is one of my best friends," he joked.

Mr Boyle plays golf twice a week and regularly sails his boat on the Hastings River.

"Boats have been in my blood since I was young," he said.

Mr Boyle said losing his wife Joan eight years ago to breast cancer was the most painful experience he has been through.

He nursed her at home.

"I still talk to her," he said.

"We had a great life together.

"She was very even-tempered and wonderful."

The couple met at a Scouts dance in Sydney.

"She was a good looker, that always gets things started doesn't it?"

They were married after 12 months, Mr Boyle was only 23.

He has "no inclination to pal up with anyone else".

Despite the loss of his beloved wife, Mr Boyle said he isn't lonely, the camaraderie of his golf buddies sustains him.

He describes his six years in the army after school as "formative".

"I think all young people should do military service because what you learn is invaluable," he said.

When Mr Boyle was younger he worked three jobs and his wife two jobs to save for a house.

He said challenges are part of life.

"Life is not worthwhile unless you have challenges, you have to have challenges to achieve something," he said.

"I would say I am tenacious and if I have a problem whether it is mechanical or mental I work on it till I fix it.

"I won't give in."

As for the future?

"I just hope I can retain my driving," he said determinedly.