Incredible 50 years of marriage for Milly and Robin
Milly (74) and Robin Coombs (74) feel blessed to have enjoyed 50 years of marriage.
Married on May 29, 1965, in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), the details they share about their special day are as vivid as if they were married yesterday.
The two met in Rhodesia in 1964, when Milly worked for Rhodesia Television and Robin as an electrical engineer.
They were set up on a blind date by mutual friends.
“On the date we went to the bioscope and watched 101 Dalmatians,” said Milly.
Within months they were engaged and married.
While living in Rhodesia, the two were blessed with three children, Craig, Ingrid and Michele Whitelaw.
In 1975 the couple moved back to South Africa; Robin continued his work as a electrical engineer and Milly worked part-time, but spent some time at home with the children.
Robin’s job often required him to travel around the continent.
“We have been to Uganda, Zimbabwe and Nigeria – family is very important and spending time with family members is part of that,” said Robin.
The couple, who live in Northmead, describe their 50 years of marriage as ”incredible”.
They believe the key to a lasting marriage is their ability to communicate with each other.
“We have had our ups and downs, but we have had more good times and we are able to learn from the down times,” said the couple.
“Couples should stay together, they must not sleep without talking to each other – because you never know when your last goodbye will be”.
Robin said his love for his wife knows no bounds.
“I love her cooking and the fact that she always stands by me, no matter what,” he explained.
“When I used to work in different countries, she would come up and take care of me and people could not believe that I had a wife who cared so much.”
Milly said: “He is the best husband you can get and I love that he always makes a plan to take care of his family – he tries his best”.
The couple celebrated their anniversary with a luncheon, in Boksburg, which included friends and family.
Some of their guests were also in attendance on the wedding day, 50 years ago.
“We would like to thank everybody who attended our celebration and supported us throughout the years,” said the Coombs.
