Houpts’ journey of love continues on track
A Pinetown couple shares their secret for a successful marriage.
A RELATIONSHIP between two strangers, which began to develop by writing love letters to each other, blossomed into an unbreakable bond between Philip and Gwen Houpt, who will be celebrating six decades of love and unforgettable memories on Thursday, 16 April.
This inspirational love story began when Philip (86) first laid eyes on Gwen (80) at a railway station in George. Gwen was saying goodbye to her loved ones at the station when Philip, who was employed at the station, sparked a conversation with her.
Philip, who was described as shy, noticed Gwen and decided to approach her. After standing behind the then 16-year-old for a few moments, he asked her if she was also going to Durban, to which she replied no.
That conversation was the start of the Pinetown couple’s future together. They kept in contact by writing to each other, until one day when Philip proposed to Gwen in one of his letters.
“I responded to his letter by saying that he needed to speak to my parents first, as I was still underage. Once he met my family they immediately took a liking to him; they simply adored him. Philip took my family as his own,” said Gwen.
The couple celebrated their union as husband and wife at the George Dutch Reformed Church in 1955, with 50 guests in attendance. The proud parents of two children, Hilde Garde and Christo (late), and grandparents to two grandsons, said the most memorable part of their marriage was their years spent in Margate.
While Philip enjoys gardening, reading and watching TV, Gwen enjoys shopping and socialising with her friends.
The Houpt couple will be celebrating their memorable milestone at an intimate dinner with their family.
