WATERFALL couple Vic and Dawn Bender celebrated their diamond anniversary on Thursday, December 4, at a place close to their hearts, the Kloof and Highway SPCA, surrounded by family and friends.

Having grown up together in the small community of Dannhauser, Vic said marrying Dawn was an easy choice. He knew, even at the age of 10, that she was the girl he wanted to spend his life with.

“I was born in the area and Dawn moved there with her family when she was seven. I told her she would be my wife one day, but she said she hated me,” Vic laughed.

“Once, I even tied her to a tree in our backyard and told her I wouldn’t let her go until she agreed to marry me when we were older. You definitely couldn’t do that nowadays!”

Dawn said she remembers the day well as they both got a hiding from their parents afterwards. “They were waiting for me to come home from school, and I came back late,” she recalled.

Dawn of true love

Vic said he always knew Dawn was the one. “She was such a sweet little girl, and I made sure to keep the other boys away from her,” he said.

Dawn shared that Vic’s skills as a DIY man, and his ability to fix just about anything, are some of the things she admires most about him.

“He’s a loving husband and has always been good to me. We also complement each other because we share many of the same interests, we both even played semi-professional sport.”

When asked about the secret to staying happily married for 60 years, Vic joked that he always has the last word: “Yes, dear.” He added, “It really does solve a lot. Couples should talk things out and never let problems simmer. Everyone faces difficulties, it’s not always smooth sailing.”

The Benders have been blessed with two sons, two daughters, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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