50 years of mutual love
Running a transport business together is what taught them perseverance.
Janet (69) and Patrick (75) Brink, of Petit, celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 5.
The couple met in 1965, in Sea Point, in Cape Town, when Janet was lazing around the swimming pool.
It was love at first sight; the couple were attracted to each other at opposite ends of the swimming pool.
This holiday romance led Patrick to hijack Janet’s train ticket, to get the details of when she was returning to the Transvaal, said their niece Lynette Romano.
“Patrick was living in Cape Town at the time and was not going to to lose this one,” said Romano.
“He boarded the same train when Janet was going back and stayed in the coach next door to her.”
The couple was married in the Presbyterian Church, in Farrarmere.
Janet was a secretary at the Chamber of Mines and Patrick was a welder.
Having their children and seeing them grow up, is what gave them pride and joy.
They have three children: Sharon Claasen, Michelle Viljeon and Lenard Brink, and six grandchildren, Ashley and Matthew Claasen, Michaela and Bianca Viljoen, and Jaden and Caitlyn Brink.
When asked to share their secret to a long marriage, Patrick said: “Listen and don’t talk too much”.
Janet said couples need to be honest and respect each other.
Regardless of running Brink Transport where they transport any goods, the couple still enjoys going out for lunch and spending time together.
They celebrated their special day with their family.
Also read: Couple reaches milestone anniversary
