Ballito couple reach 50 years: “We might have considered murder often, but divorce – never!”

The active couple live in Simbithi Eco Estate with their youngest daughter, Toni and her family and celebrated this golden marriage milestone on June 29.

“We met running a Christian coffee bar in 1967.

“For me it was love at first sight, but not for Ann. She took a little longer to convince,” said 79-year-old Hylton, who had a rich career in education and was one of the founding members of George Campbell School of Technology in Durban.

With both of them growing up in a full house – Ann was one of 19 children and Hylton one of five – family has always been at the forefront of their lives.

“I was the youngest and grew up with nine brothers and four sisters on our farm in East Griqualand. All my siblings came from the same mother and father and no, we weren’t Roman Catholic,” said Ann with a chuckle.

Having grown up with four sisters, Hylton was thrilled to have found brothers in Ann’s family, although the initiation was something to get used to.

“At first I was overwhelmed by this rough, farm crowd. I came from a very English family with tea at 10, but Ann’s family lived in a different world.

“I had to learn to be a farmer and we worked and played hard. I used to come home black and blue, but I loved it.”

Sport was also always a big factor in their lives, Ann was the hockey queen and Hylton a keen squash player.

They passed their sporty skills onto their five children who all achieved on the field with their parents cheering from the stands.

“Our kids brought us so much pleasure in their sport.

“When our youngest played her last hockey game we almost went into depression,” said the 74-year-old Ann who went zip lining at Oribi Gorge for her 70th birthday.

Tragedy struck the large family when their daughter Tracy and her family died in a plane crash ten years ago.

Bravely holding back the tears, Ann recalled the heart-wrenching loss and said their faith kept them united and going during those darkest times.

“Our Christianity has been very important for us. God is sovereign and he did not promise that he would exempt us from bad things. ”

She said no marriage is without its problems and that people should not throw in the towel too quickly.

“My mom and dad were married for 60 years, Hylton’s parents made 65, all my brothers and sisters who lived long enough had made 50 years or longer. Marriage is a moral and spiritual promise that our generation have taken very seriously. Now they say, love at first sight, divorce at first fight.

“We might have considered murder often, but divorce – never!”

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram