Former long-term residents of Benoni, Lodewyk (Ludi) and Maria (Ria) Bouwer, celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on December 19.
Described as an inspirational couple by their daughter, Elizabeth, the lovebirds tied the knot in Benoni in 1964.
Ludi and Ria were employed by Denel Aviation and have two sons, Martin and Tertius, a granddaughter, Celeste, two grandsons, Luderik and Reuhan, and a great-grandson, Arthur Caknis.
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“What makes our parents inspirational can be summarised in our father’s words in a letter he recently wrote to our mother,” Elizabeth said.
“My Bokkie,
Ek wil net graag baie dankie sê vir die wonderlike jare wat ons gespaar is vir mekaar tot hede, en alle eer aan God vir die genade. Dankie vir ons twee wonderlike kinders en vir al jou liefde, besorgdheid en behulpsaamheid waarmee jy almal wat jou pad gekruis het met raad en deernis gehelp het. Dit wat jy besit is meer kosbaar as al die skatte van die wêreld en sy rykdom, die gawe van vriendelikheid, bedagsaamheid, opregtheid en diepe omgee waarmee jy my hart aanraak. Jy gee betekenis aan my lewe wat ‘n groot deel is van my bestaan”
“Dad and Mom, may God still bless you with many years together. We are proud of you and thankful for the wonderful example you have set for us of unconditional and life-long love,” said Elizabeth.
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