Taking the Good with the Bad, Key to a Happy Union

Taking the good with the bad and a commitment to staying in love is the secret to a successful marriage, according to Braemar Cooinda residents Jean and Doug Milne, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary recently.

The couple, who are both in their 80s, met in the small town of Ongerup, 410 kilometres south-east of Perth, when Doug was located to the town to work in the local bank.

After getting married on 12 October 1957, the couple went on to have a short honeymoon in Busselton and had their first child two years later in 1959.

They went on to have six children - two girls and four boys - and lived in a number of towns throughout Western Australia as a consequence of Doug’s banking job, including Katanning, Kalgoorlie and Dalwallinu, before settling in Perth.

The couple, who live together at the Braemar Cooinda aged care home, celebrated their milestone with a high tea for friends and family, as well as Braemar staff.

“We have been very fortunate in our lives, and were blessed to have six happy and healthy children, four boys and two girls,” says Mrs Milne, who volunteered for many charities during her lifetime, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“Today we have 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom we are also very proud of.”

Asked about their secret to the longevity of their marriage, Jean said it was all down to patience, care and enjoying life regardless of its ups and downs.

“Just being friends is a big thing, as well as taking time out to laugh, love and enjoy life,” she says.

Wayne Belcher (OAM), Chief Executive of Braemar, said the entire Braemar team was keen to congratulate the couple on their special milestone anniversary.

“Everyone at Braemar Presbyterian Care was keen to wish Jean and Doug all the very best on their momentous anniversary,” Mr Belcher says. “It is a tribute to both of them to have built such a solid foundation for a long-lasting and happy life together.

“Reaching such a milestone anniversary is a wonderful achievement and it is genuinely very special to see them still truly happy.”

Braemar Presbyterian Care is a community ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Western Australia. Braemar operates three residential care facilities providing over 200 residential places.