Splendid 50 years of love

The Farrarmere residents met though a mutual friend in 1963.

Susan said Neels caught her eye as a tall, handsome young man who stole her heart.

After a few years of dating, the couple was married in 1965, in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, in Witbank.

They first stayed in Brakpan and then moved to Farrarmere in the early ’70s.

They welcomed their only child, Elize van Dyk, in 1967.

Neels was a Comrades Marathon runner with 10 medals to his name.

Susan was a founding member of the East Rand Business Women and became the group’s first chairperson in 2000.

She has also been involved with the Sarie Club for many years.

“I have been involved with these organisations for many years and my husband has always supported me with both groups,” said Susan.

Asked what they love most about each other, Neels responded by saying: “Susan is always friendly, well-groomed at all times, she is the pillar of strength for me and our family and I can always depend on her loyalty, love and dedication to our family.”

Susan said Neels is a loveable, kind-hearted person and well-liked by all.

“He is extremely dedicated to everything he does; he’s romantic, but also a handyman who can fix anything at home,” she added.

“He is always there for me and we still love each other after all these years.”

When asked for their recipe for a long, healthy marriage, Susan said it’s communication, giving each other space, trust, their faith in God and doing things they love, together.

Susan and Neels love spending time together by travelling abroad and visiting local restaurants.

They have one grandchild, Warren van Wyk (17).

The couple celebrated their anniversary at The Victorian Secret, in Western Extension, on September 19, with family and close friends.

On September 24, they spent the weekend leading to their anniversary at Zebula Lodge, in Bela Bela.

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