HE said being united, she said having patience were the secrets to a long lasting marriage, either way it has worked for John and Mavis Creasey from Bomaderry who recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.
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Their golden anniversary was on December 22, but they celebrated earlier with a cruise.
It was a fitting celebration since it was a navy ship that brought them together five decades ago.
“I was in the navy at the time and our ship had stopped in at number six jetty port Kembla wharf,” he said.
“Mavis and her girlfriend came down to see the navy ships.
“Her girlfriend asked me to stand for a photo and I couldn’t take my eyes off Mavis.
“Then I got a lift with them into Wollongong and there wasn’t room in the car so Mavis sat on my knee.
“We sailed the following morning.
“I turned up at Mavis’ place that following weekend.
“She couldn’t get rid of me, and hasn’t for the past 50 years.
“We got married at Corrimal Church of England and the following January 1963 we moved to Shoalhaven,” Mr Creasey said.
The couple moved about over the years and raised three children Alison, David and Andrew.
They have been involved in a number of community organisations, including St John Ambulance, Legacy and Torchbearers and helped with various sporting groups and schools.
Mr and Mrs Creasey received letters of congratulations from the Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash as well as other MPs.
So what was their advice to a long lasting marriage?
“Marriage is a bed of roses, but roses have thorns on them, the thorns are the arguments, but it’s good making up,” Mr Creasey said.
“The problem with couples today is that there is too much me and not enough us.
“I don’t know where I’d be without Mavis. She’s a very special woman,” Mr Creasey said.
Mrs Creasey however took a slightly less romantic view. Looking at her husband with a smile she said her secret had been patience”.
