After almost 70 years of marriage, Roland still says the secret to long-lasting love is simple: “Learn to say yes, dear.”
The Extendicare Tri-Town residents have a heartwarming love story that began in a one-room schoolhouse in Haileybury, Ontario, long before electricity reached the area.
Although the pair grew up a couple blocks apart from one another, the romance didn’t start until 16-year-old Margaret boldly made the first move during a trip to the drive-in.
The rest was history.
At the time, Roland lived nearly 400 miles away in Cornwall, Ontario, but the distance didn’t weaken their bond. “We would write to one another,” he said.
The pair married on July 19, 1958, at Holy Cross Cathedral in Haileybury. Like any wedding day, it wasn’t without its memorable hiccups. Their designated driver forgot to pick up the bride, and Margaret just made it in time for the ceremony. “She made it – just made it,” shares Roland.
Over the next 68 years, Roland and Margaret built a full, loving life together. While Margaret raised four children at home, Roland contracted large concrete foundations for hospitals and schools across Ontario. Today, their family has grown to ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who still visit the couple at the long-term care home, even joining them for supper.
Faith, commitment, and companionship have sustained them through the decades. They have always believed deeply in their marriage vows and embrace the importance of compromise. “Like every couple, we do not always see eye to eye,” says Margaret. “He is so good to me, so I have to do the same.”
They still enjoy little things together, like playing euchre and cribbage, watching television, and simply being together now that they share at room in long-term care.
Margaret had been living in the long-term care home before Roland moved in, and while they initially lived in separate rooms, they now share a room together.
Roland says sharing a room has brought comfort and ease. “It’s better when she’s in this room now than before,” he said. “This way, she’s here.”
68 years later, they still choose one another every day.
