Golden anniversary for Neil and Pamela
During their vows, the love birds turned towards one another and sang 'Darling The Day Has Come'.
Neil and Pamela McDonald celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 11.
Neil has become well known for the tremendous work he does as CEO of Khanya Hospice in Umkomaas. He will be retiring at the end of November.
He and Pamela were married on a Friday evening at Pinkster Protestante Kerk in Benoni by candlelight.
“More than 1 000 people attended what was dubbed the wedding of the year, and our pastor, George Snyman, kindly invited the whole congregation because… why not?” said Neil.
Neil and Pamela chose to perform a beautiful duet dedicated to one another on their special day.
During their vows, the love birds turned towards one another and sang ‘Darling The Day Has Come’ by John W Peterson.
The McDonalds have been musically inclined ever since and are praise and worship leaders at church. Neil has been playing the organ/piano for about 62 years.
Their reception was in the Brakpan Town Hall, and Neil and Pam toured the eastern and northern Transvaal during their honeymoon.
Their eldest child, Neil, was born in 1976 in Benoni. They then moved to Warner Beach in 1980, with Neil taking up a job at Hulett’s refinery.
A second child, Peter-John, was born in 1982, and their daughter, Colleen, in 1985.
The McDonalds then moved to Sarnia, Pinetown, where they spent most of their married life. They later moved to Hillcrest.
The couple plans on moving to Johannesburg to be near their son Peter-John and their granddaughters.
Their other two children and grandchildren live in Brisbane, Australia.
Neil, known for his sense of humour, advised men on how to establish a happy and healthy marriage:
“Acknowledge and consult your wife in whatever you want to do. It is important to get her opinion and input on things. Always say ‘yes dear’ or ‘yes, my darling’, and then go and do what you initially were going to do anyway!”
The McDonalds spent last week celebrating this momentous occasion, enjoying restaurant dinners almost every day and a weekend getaway.
They are grateful for the friends and family that celebrated with them.
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