If the world needs an example of how to make love last they only need look to Marvin and Mary Latimer of Innisfail.
Their love story began Feb. 6, 1960. That was the day they pledged their love forever.
“It was a beautiful, warm day,” said Mary Latimer of her wedding day.
“We had a beautiful day and we had a beautiful week for our honeymoon in Montana,” added husband Marvin.
Since that memorable day, the Latimers have shared an undying love, raised a family and built a lasting marriage.
The Latimers were married in Innisfail at the Presbyterian Church and spent their working years farming and raising three boys. Mary was a busy housewife who maintained the home while her husband and family members worked in the fields.
After nearly 60 years together (including a three-and-a-half-year courtship prior to marrying), the Latimers are sharing their secret for this year's Valentine's Day on what it takes to make a happy marriage last.
“After you get through school, you're a salesperson. Not selling vehicles, but you have to sell yourself,” said Marvin. “You have to sell yourself to get a job, you have to sell yourself when you meet somebody and you can think of your marriage as selling yourself,” he added. “Giving 75 percent and receiving 25 percent.”
His wife Mary agreed and acknowledged the ups and downs that many couples experience after years of married life together.
“I always say that your life is different chapters. You go through different chapters just like a book,” added Marvin, noting the many new experiences, people and memories that passed them.
“The first chapter is when you are married and on your own together, then your family comes along. Another chapter is when your children leave home and you're back by yourselves again, and then another chapter in your life is when you retire.”
Today the Latimers have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Despite a hectic schedule at times, there have been many moments that the Latimers have cherished over the past 56 years. Some of those times included enjoying their regular Friday night date night. A tradition they continue today.
“When (the kids) were young we skated every night, seven nights a week for five years,” said Marvin, noting outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and skiing kept them busy. “We enjoyed our family.”
Retirement has also treated them well.
“We've had some great friends through the years, and through some of our associations,” he added.
To those young couples just starting out in married life or perhaps for those who have decided to remarry at a later age, the Latimers had some encouraging words of advice for those who wish to follow in their footsteps and share a happy marriage and lasting love.
“Compromise is a big thing,” said Mary Latimer. “You should think of each other first.”
“For us it was teamwork,” added Marvin, noting that being happily married and in love for more than 50 years is something any couple can achieve if they are committed to each other.
“Anybody can do it if they want to do it,” Latimer concluded.
Mary Latimer
"Compromise is a big thing. You should think of each other first."
