A ‘GIVE and take’ relationship has resulted in an enduring marriage for Warner Beach couple, Peter and Pat Babich.
Residents at Jabulani, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on 28 March. It has been celebrations all-round for them, including a family get together in Johannesburg and a surprise visit from their daughter, Robyn Vogels from Australia.
They concluded the festivities with a tea for their friends at the retirement home on Tuesday, 15 April. “We have known each other since the age of nine,” said Peter.
They got to know each other when Pat’s sister, Ruth started dating Peter’s brother. At the age of 18 they tied the knot and lived in Johannesburg for a number of years and relocated to Toti some 30 years ago.
“We have spent a lifetime together and wouldn’t change it at all,” said Pat. Before retirement, Peter was in the printing business and Pat taught wood carving for some 26 years. Although they have retired, they are still active and make children’s puzzles and birdfeeders.
According to Pat, their marriage has reached the half-century mark due to hard work on both sides. “The advice I can give to youngsters contemplating marriage is that they have to be there for each other. The youngsters of today give up too easily.”
The couple has four children and four grandchildren.