Benoni newcomers celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

The couple moved to Benoni about a month ago but they are no strangers to the East Rand after living in Springs for 40 years.

Both are originally from Port Shepstone, where they met in 1955.

Two years later Jimmy asked Colleen to marry him.

“Both our parents were very strict. Even when we were engaged we had to be home by 10pm,” said Colleen.

Jimmy said he once tried to put his arm around her while watching a soccer match from within his car.

“She got such a fright that she almost jumped out of the car,” he laughed.

“Times have changed. Nowadays, people get married, have two or three kids and just call it quits. I will never understand these youngsters of today,” said Jimmy.

The pair explained that marriage has its good and bad times.

They said a long and happy marriage includes honesty, sharing, caring and respect.

“Marriage is a give and take relationship,” said Colleen.

Jimmy’s advice is never to hold grudges and to always forgive each another.

They have three daughters, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and are expecting a 10th great-grandchild.

Their youngest daughter, Wendy Smit (49), said her parents always tried to give them everything they wanted and they never went without what they needed.

Vicki Oelofse (42), one of their grandchildren, said her grandparents’ commitment to each other is an inspiration.

“They have walked beside each other throughout the years – through days of cloud and sunshine, joy and tears,” she continued.

“At the end of the day the most important thing in life is family,” said Colleen.

“We didn’t have a big ‘do’ for our anniversary. Instead, we had a small family get-together and it was perfect,” said Jimmy.

For the first time in 10 years Jimmy and Colleen danced as a couple.

“It took us three days to recover,” joked Jimmy.

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