It’s a rare and beautiful milestone to celebrate 60 years of marriage, and today, December 19 we honour an inspirational couple, Lodewyk (Ludi) Bouwer and Maria (Ria) Bouwer (née Rossouw), who have reached this remarkable diamond anniversary.

Ludi and Ria were married on December 19, 1964, in Benoni, beginning a journey of love and partnership that continues to shine brightly.

Over the years, they built a family that cherishes their legacy.

Their sons, Martin Bouwer and Tertius Bouwer, live in Kempton Park, and they are proud grandparents to Celeste Bouwer (who moved to Scotland in 2019), Luderik Bouwer, and Reuhan Bouwer, both of Kempton Park.

They also delight in their great-grandson, Arthur Caknis, who resides in Scotland.

Ludi and Ria dedicated many years of their professional lives to Denel Aviation and were long-term residents of Benoni before relocating to Kempton Park in 2014.

Their journey together has been marked by love, resilience, and faith, making them an enduring inspiration to everyone who knows them.

What makes their story even more poignant is encapsulated in a heartfelt letter from Ludi to Ria:

“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.”

Ludi’s words beautifully capture the essence of a love that has stood the test of time, enriched by mutual respect, unwavering support, and deep faith.

Their family expresses immense gratitude and pride in the example Ludi and Ria have set.

“Dad and Mom, may God still bless you with many more years together.

“We are so very proud of you and thankful for the wonderful example you have set for us of unconditional and life-long love.”