THERE aren’t too many love stories that go the distance and last for 60 years, but Derrick and Shirley Ridgway’s are one of those beautiful, rare exceptions. The Yellowwood Park couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on May 22, with six decades of unwavering companionship and devotion.

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It all began by coincidence, on a weekend getaway when they bumped into each other at a guesthouse. Even though they had known each other for years, having grown up in the same circle in Woodlands, it wasn’t until that encounter that the romantic spark began to flicker.

“Shirley used to drive past in the back of her dad’s little Morris Minor. I never thought much of it back then, but it’s funny how life turns out,” said Derrick.

The chance encounter quickly blossomed into more. “We started going out on several dates after our meet-up; our first date was at one of the old drive-ins. From there everything sort of started falling into place,” recalled a smiling Shirley.

Sixty years later, Derrick and Shirley are still best friends. The couple said on a regular day they always start with breakfast on their veranda. “Depending on the day we sometimes do our shopping trips, or we work in our garden. We love doing anything that involves nature, it’s something we have been big on since we used to take our children caravanning when they were younger,” said Shirley. Derrick added that they do everything together.

The couple have not only succeeded in creating a life as a couple, but a consistent legacy. Together they have two children, Michael Ridgway and Shan Morley, and four beautiful grandchildren, Tatum, Katie, Matthew and Taylor. Reflecting on the legacy they have built with their family, they said, “We could not be prouder.”

Another important member of the Ridgway family is Lucy, Shirley and Derrick’s dog who has provided the couple with years of love and affection as well.

The pair also worked together, having founded Woodpark Real Estate in 1988 after Derrick began in engineering and Shirley’s administrative past.

“We worked side by side for 23 years. They say couples must not work together because you are always in each other’s space and we were able to do it for a long time,” said Shirley.

According to the couple, the secret to a long, successful marriage is patience and perseverance. “A relationship is not always easy, but if you stick it out and have each other, it is worth it, it is give and take,” said the couple.

Shirley and Derrick Ridgway are still proof that lasting love is not in grand gestures, but in spending meaningful time together.

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