Happy 60th wedding anniversary to Johnny and Margaret Botes
Sixty years of enduring commitment shared with friends and loved ones
A touching tribute to exemplars of an ageless love with understated dedication.
From the crossing of their paths to messages of courtship, Johnny Botes and Margaret Wallace have been forever intertwined. Growing up in the suburbs of Johannesburg, Johnny would meet Margaret with their whole lives ahead of them and by 1962 the knot was tied. At the ages of 23 and 18, Johnny and Margaret would be married in a courthouse and decades later, they celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 30, 2022.
The six decades have brought with them a lifetime of memories shared with their three children, two boys and a girl, and five grandchildren. With a little help, Johnny made those memories possible with a young cupid delivering notes of affection to his would-be love. “My father would send his nephew to pass notes to my mom, and they eventually went on a double date with another couple. The rest is history,” said Johnny and Margaret’s daughter, Lynne.
The 60 years of love, understanding and acceptance have been built on a commitment to maintaining their Christian values and honour their vows to always be there for each other, through thick and thin. Described as ‘fantastic parents’ who always prioritised time spent with family, those characteristics and morals still permeate their children’s lives today. Lovers of dancing, especially to the music of their youth, family recalls them burning up the dance floor as recently as ten years ago at their 50th wedding anniversary celebrations.
Barring a short hiatus, the couple have spent two decades living in Weltevreden Park, where they still live with Lynne, her husband and their son. Lynne, wishing her parents many more years together, said “Not only do I want to congratulate them on this massive milestone, but I also think that their marriage is an inspiration to us all. We’re very grateful to have them 60 years after they first said “I do”, and we look forward to many more happy and healthy years with them both. Now for 70!”
