LAC LA BICHE - As Valentine’s Day approaches and many couples prepare for this special day of love, Garry and Davina Vetzal have been doing it for more than 60 years - Valentine’s Day, that is.
The couple, who live in Lac La Biche, have been married since 1961. They met through mutual friends in 1960 while they were living in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. At the time, Garry was working for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) while Davina was finishing school.
The couple went together for a while (Davina says probably for less than a year) before tying the knot in 1961. Over the past 62 years, their family has grown to include three children - two boys and a girl - as well as five granddaughters and one great-granddaughter.
“We have had a good marriage, no real financial problems and our health has not been an issue but as you age you do get some health problems but not any we couldn't deal with medical help or otherwise,” Davina says.
What is the secret to staying in a happy, loving marriage for just over six decades?
“Accepting the ups and downs that go with marriage and making compromises when needed,” Garry stated, adding that this includes learning to accept each other as they are and not trying to change the other person.
Davina tells Lakeland This Week the key to a successful marriage is talking about any problems that may arise. This includes discussing financial expectations and getting counselling if there are issues regarding habits, money, or other family members.
Each year on Valentine’s Day, the couple doesn’t do anything too extravagant. They usually exchange cards and often flowers and never plan anything other than going out to supper.
“As for what significance Valentine Day has, it is just another day to appreciate the fact we have had 62 years of marriage and with health,” Davina said.
While Garry and Davina Vetzal are celebrating 62 years of marriage, other couples such as Ben and Victoria Larouche are just starting out on this journey.
The pair, who met in Lac La Biche in 2015, have been married for five years and have two children. Ben is an electrician, and Victoria is an educational assistant who works with special needs children.
Victoria said despite the expected ups and downs, marriage has been very good.
“Ben and I enjoy camping, quading, skiing and of course our snacks on the couch with a good movie or show,” she said. “Ben and I have similar taste when it comes to outdoor activities, so it's been easy to get out and do things as a couple and now it's even better when we introduce our children to the things we love.”
Valentine’s Day is special to the couple, who buy each other their favourite treats and spend time together on this annual occasion that has long been associated with romance, flowers, and chocolates.
"It's just a reminder of how much we love and appreciate each other,” she said about Valentine’s Day.
“Valentine’s Day means to me a nice dinner and spending quality time together,” added Ben.
Victoria says in order for a marriage to be successful, the couple must be friends first, have the same values about family and life goals, as well as be able trust and respect each other.
“Communication is key.... it’s not easy but needs to be important,” she said.
The advice provided by Ben included only having secrets if they are of the surprise type, being patient, and not doing anything that must be kept from your significant other.
When asked about the six-decade marriage of couples like the Vetzals, Ben said it’s a great milestone to set as a goal for any couple.
“We’re barely in this compared to older couples,” he said with a laugh.