Escombe couple celebrate 60 years of love

LOUIS and Millie Oliver, an Escombe couple, said respect and an abundance of unconditional love for each other are the secrets to their marriage of more than 60 years.

The couple, who tied the knot at the Boshoff Street Methodist Church in Pietermaritzburg on November 4 in 1961, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

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Originally from Pietermaritzburg (PMB), Louis’s brother started an apprenticeship up the road from where Louis lived. Millie was working for his brother. She first saw him from across the road one day and found him to be extremely handsome. Louis was tall and had dark hair, the opposite of his brother, who was short and had blonde hair. Her first words were ‘who’s that?’

Later that same day, an apprentice friend visited Louis at work and said there was a girl he would like to introduce him to. After work, they climbed on their bicycles and cycled to her home. Millie was sitting outside, enjoying the sunset, and did not expect any guests when Louis arrived.

“Fairly embarrassed, Millie asked me to wait in the lounge while she went to change. When she returned, she was all dolled up. What can I say, that was that? Love at first sight, I suppose,” chuckled Louis.

They went on their first date to a bioscope that Friday. They reminisced how it rained and Louis didn’t have a car so, instead, they were chauffeured by his brother-in-law to and from the bioscope that evening.

They courted for six years before they tied the knot. The couple then moved to Bloemfontein for work. They lived there for six years and had two children, Etienne and Janine. Thereafter, they returned to PMB where their daughter, Collette, was born. Seven years later, the couple moved to Durban and have been here since. They have lived in Escombe for 35 years.

Louis was a wood pattern maker and Millie worked at the Green Acres chemist in Durban for most of her career. She also completed a beauty diploma.

They have been blessed with five grandchildren and two great grandsons.

When asked how they managed to keep their love alive after 60 years of marriage, Louis said they clash a little but, otherwise, get along very well.

“We don’t go to bed upset with each other. We kiss each other goodnight and greet each other in the same manner when we wake every day. We’ve never had any ill feelings towards each other,” said Louis.

He said he also respects her hobbies and interests and vice versa.

“My wife lives for her garden, which makes her very happy. I enjoy woodwork and played hockey in my young days. I also ran the Comrades while in PMB and received a silver medal. We respect each other, which makes our marriage work,” said Louis.

Millie said, “We live for our kids and are very blessed to have the life, family and marriage that we do.”

The couple also enjoys travelling and have been to Namibia, France and Europe. They travel to Cape Town every year and explore lots of other local areas too.

In celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary, their son, Etienne, hosted a party at his home in honour of his parents. Close family and friends were in attendance.

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