No hard and fast rule to a long and happy marriage

Those just starting on their journey could learn from the masters of pragmatism.

Either lucky to have been blessed with the perfect blend or gifted with the right attitude, a couple at Harveston Retirement Village have stood side by side for 63 years. Travy and Patricia Brick were married in Johannesburg in 1960 and have called the retirement village home for the last 13 of those. The couple shared a few basic pointers on what has graced them with such longevity.

Travy was working in the mines in Barberton when he first made his future bride’s acquaintance while she was visiting her sister. About a year and a half later, it was Travy’s turn to visit Johannesburg and he looked up the young radiographer. The couple make no lofty claims of love at first sight, saying that the growth of their love was measured, much like their approach to life.

Travy and Patricia have two children, who have since given them four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The couple are the only remaining members of the family though, with the posterity all residing in Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Immensely proud of their children, they take humble credit and state the importance of being exemplary role models.

When pressed on the secret to their longevity, Travy said there was ‘no hard and fast rule’, but came down to the environment they created for themselves. Remaining debt-free, travelling, always making time for family and living an active lifestyle free of alcohol and cigarettes have been the cornerstones of their success.
“We were both already established when we married and we had learnt not to splash out on lavish things. You’re lucky if one of you has a level head,” laughed Travy.

The couple appreciates that the world young people are inheriting in the current day is vastly different than the one they grew up in but feel the same moral fibre is applicable. Regarding couples that live together for longer without getting married. Travy sees no problem with the modern approach but Patricia disagrees, saying it is an easier option that requires less commitment.

“Marriage is ideal but I have no difficulty with couples sharing a life,” said Travy.

Travy and Patricia have been blessed with having a tight circle of friends, with Travy’s best man and Patricia’s bridesmaids still alive and nearby. The couple have shared the company of a broad spectrum of society but always remained grounded in long-term goals. Acknowledging his anchor, Travy concluded “I came from a poor background but made a decision never to be poor again. I had ambition and worked hard and when I met this woman she cemented those ambitions.”