Celebrating 70 Years

George and Velma Sample Celebrate Their 70th Wedding Anniversary

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

It takes a unique couple to look at the positive aspects of a marriage and keep it alive for 70 years but that is exactly what George and Velma Sample have done ever since they were married on June 27, 1953.

So, it was fitting that they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary with 19 family members at Crave Appetite on June 25.

When Velma was asked what she credited her happy marriage to, she replied, “I tried to forgive and forget as well as look at the positive things because there were so many good things that happened in our lives together. Even when bad things happened, something good turned out from it in the end. Then it helped that we led full and active lives and still live in our own home.”

George answered, “Time keeps going, and I cannot believe it has been that many years, but I guess it has been. My secret to a long and happy marriage is to try to find the right person and then you get along pretty well together. We help each other and recommend things to each other and sometimes, we argue over it but we usually get over it, so we’re okay.”

Front row from L-R: Dory Sample, George Sample, and Velma Sample, Kathy Conway and back row from L-R: Jake Sample, Bruce Sample, Pete Conway, and Cody Conway.

(Kathy Conway/Submitted Photo)

Velma got to know George’s Cousin David when she was working in Edmonton. One evening while playing cards at David’s she met George, who was boarding there. A movie date one week later was the start of their courtship. During George’s sister’s wedding he told her it was going to be their turn next to marry and at Christmas he produced a ring and asked Velma to marry him.

George and Velma Sample hold up the 70th Anniversary sign.

(Sherilyn Milson/Submitted Photo)

Velma’s mom designed and sewed her wedding gown, that Velma describes in detail in her book entitled, ‘A bit of THIS and a Sampling of THAT’ and besides a mishap with her mom’s glasses that required an adjustment, everything else went according to plan and they enjoyed their wedding night at the Jasper Place Hotel before heading to Lake Wabamun for a week.

Velma and George at an Iron Runners Auto Club event.

(Velma Sample/Submitted Photo)

George and Velma have shared many adventures over the years and a lifetime of love with three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.