‘We have no secrets’
Jim and Margaret Howie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 3.
Communication is their secret to a happy marriage.
They had a huge party with their two sons Gary and Brian, as well as 5 of their 8 grand children, held at their house in Strubenvale on Saturday.
Both think their spouse is their hero and the couple is not scared to hold hands and sit on the same couch watching TV.
Jim is a retired tool maker, originally from Clyde Park, Scotland.
He, Margaret and the two boys emigrated in February 1971 to South Africa.
Margaret remembers they first stayed in the Springs Hotel and then at one of the mine houses at Number 2 shaft, Struisbult before moving into their current home in Strubenvale.
Gary, who currently lives in Adelaide, Australia was 5 years old when the family emigrated and Brian who currently lives in Danna, Germany was 3.
Jim worked at Boart in Nuffield until he retired.
The Howies decided to stay in South Africa and not to retire in Scotland.
Margaret sees Jim as her “superman” who will always help others.
“We don’t argue or fight, we bicker,” she teases.
Jim also feels Margaret is the best and a “super person”.
“And he makes me happy,” says Margaret.
Both says they still cuddle and hold hands, as well as regarding each other as their best friend.
They believe in communication, which they call the big C, because talking to each other keeps them close.
They have no secrets and believe in not going to bed without working through issues.
“And no sulking,” they say out of one mouth.
Brian says his dad is honourable and dependable and a good provider for his family.
Gary lifted the secret about their parents, saying they are like chalk and cheese or fire and ice – dad the ice and mom the fire.
“But they compliment each other,” he says.
