Jiving to the sound of Nico Carstens’ music might just be the reason why Dawn and Koos (Herman) van der Linde has been happily married for 60 years.
The couple, who also believes that mutual respect, refraining from having affairs and battle through the hard time together, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary today (16 July).
Dawn, who was born in Somerset East and grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and later moved to Winkelspruit, met Koos when Dawn’s mother introduced them to each other. “I loved dancing and Koos and I would go out dancing every Saturday night to Nico Carsten’s music,” said Dawn.
Koos, who was born in Potchefstoom and lived in Johannesburg and Roodepoort all his live, said their love just happened. “I bought a ring because I knew we were meant to be together. Dawn is very loving and caring andshe looked after me and our children all these years,” Koos said and looked lovingly at his wife.
Dawn in turn said Koos’s love for animals is among his best attributes. Koos was an apprentice mechanic when they tied the knot and slowly worked himself up the ranks to provide a comfortable living lifestyle to hisfamily. “In 1972 I bought a brand new Mercedes Benz for R6 000. It was a proud moment for me. I drove the car for 40 years and later sold it for R40 000,” Koos reminisced. He said he was never out of a job and worked for Transnet for 42 years.
“We are truly blessed to celebrate 60 years together through sickness and in health, through good times and bad times,” said Dawn.
