Couple celebrates 50th wedding anniversary
Johnny and Janette Louch set themselves goals over the years and were able to achieve them.
Friends and family of Johnny and Janette Louch gathered at Breakers Restaurant in Uvongo, to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary recently.
Johnny said he and Janette got married at a very young age, after he had lost both his parents before his 21st birthday.
“My wife’s father passed away when she was three years old and shortly after our wedding her mother and siblings emigrated to the United States. Life was tough as we were both committed to overcoming the challenges of a young couple,” said Louch.
He said they both set themselves goals and together with a strong work ethic were able to achieve them.
“I will never forget the advice I got from a senior citizen, ‘don’t tell me what you’ve got but what you own’,” Johnny said.
He said growing up he played professional football for Durban City which he feels opened many doors in his youth.
“I worked in the cosmetics industry, while Janette worked with the Guide Dogs Association as a puppy walker, and raised 10 puppies which all became guide dogs. We owned a cosmetics company where Janette played a huge role, and which we recently sold,” he added.
He said they started an organisation, Ex Professionals (Expro), made up of former footballers which raises funds for charity by hosting lunches around the country on an annual basis. They have donated toys to children, as well as assisted those in financial need.
“Fifty years have flown by and we have achieved so much together. We have two children living in New Zealand and six grandchildren.
“The words ‘for better or worse’ are a commitment and I am happy that we have always strived to honour that commitment.”
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