VOL. 68 NO. 18
T H E PA P E R T H AT ’ S G O I N G P L A C E S !
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015
Gordon and Audrey Miller hold the signature on 60 years of true love
Rosanne Fortier There are true soul-mates around. Gordon Miller felt his wife; Audrey was the ‘one’ for him the first time he saw her walking down the street. “It seems like it was just a few days ago, I saw this pretty girl and 60 years later, here we sit.” Gordon said. “We were at a dance and Gordon asked my brothers if he could take me home. I didn’t think too much of it at the time.” Audrey said. Gordon and Audrey were married on April 16, 1955. “The first years of marriage were quite interesting for me. Life was pretty tough then but we built a very small house in the first year of marriage and we gradually finished it. I was a farmer and I worked as a grain buyer for about a year.” Gordon said. “One challenge was Audrey had major surgery when she was pregnant with our first child. It was a very stressful first year of marriage for her. But she was very strong and always was cheerful even in difficult times. She kept a beautiful garden then
and she cooked for the builders for our house. She was a very capable young lady. She is still an excellent cook and is famous for creating perfect hamburgers, jellies and more.” “I worked as a housewife. Our daughter, Charlene was born in the first year of our marriage. Then we had Craig, Beverly, Cam and Grant.” Audrey said. “The most memorable moments of our marriage were when each of our children was born. This really connected us because we always thought our children were wonderful.” “The gift of every child was so important to us. We really enjoyed our kids and Audrey looked after them so well.” Gordon stressed. “50 years ago, Gordon had to get his leg amputated due to a farm accident. Our whole family life changed. I had to work more outside on the farm and the kids had to help too. Gordon then went to work for real estate and crop insurance.” Audrey said. “Crop insurance was a commission job so I helped with that
and did farming too. I loved doing this work.” Gordon commented. “Audrey was so positive about this tragedy, she always visited me in the hospital with a smile on her face and our family’s positive spirits and support helped me pull through.” “We always went to church as a family. I absolutely think our faith helped our marriage.” Gordon said while Audrey agreed. Gordon and Audrey lost their daughter, Beverly in a car accident in Europe when she was 22 years-old. “When you lose a child, a piece of you dies.” Audrey’s face expression communicated how difficult this is. “The pain is indescribable.” “You never really get over it but you go on with life. I think it’s always harder for a mother. ” Gordon said. “Beverly was a terrific girl. She was just like our other kids, they are very ambitious, capable and willing to share and look after other people.” “I think having patience kept us together for 60 years.” Audrey answered when asked what the
tape that held them together was. “I believe you need love, understanding and a lot of appreciation for each other. A marriage is about trust, love and respect.” Gordon said. “Then I lived a very public life. In 1965, I was appointed to Provincial Board for Farm Credit Corporation. In 1977, I was elected as County Councilor for the County of Minburn and I stayed for 16 years in this position and then I was the Reeve. Then I was President of the AAMD& C for four years.” Gordon said. “I did a lot of volunteer work also.” “When you have differences, you need to have patience and you have to see the other’s point of view.” Gordon and Audrey added as the secret to a successful marriage. The pair celebrated their 60 years together recently in Vegreville at the Social Center surrounded by family and friends. They are among the few couples in town who have surpassed the goldenwedding benchmark of 50 years.
Mother’s Day Gift See page 4 for story
Students chime in musical joy to seniors See page 5 for story
Vegreville brings the Heat See page 17 for story