By Alesha Capone
A Wyndham Vale husband and wife will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next week.
Barry and Merlie Clayton were married at St Monica’s Catholic Church in Footscray on October 25, 1958.
The couple went on to have four children, Suzanne, Debby, John and Brett (now deceased), seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mr and Mrs Clayton’s daughter Debby Barnes said her mother and father enjoyed a lunch with their family to celebrate their anniversary last week, before they set off on a cruise.
She said one of the highlights of the day for her parents was a congratulatory card from Queen Elizabeth.
“Another highlight was having their eldest great-grandson sing a couple of songs, this was very moving and filled with love and emotion,” Ms Barnes said.
“They said they have seen many changes over the 60 years, however they feel their greatest achievement is their beautiful family.
“Marriage is not about the kind of house you live in or the car you drive, family is the most precious gift of all.”
Ms Barnes said her parents also said the keys to a lasting marriage were respect, communication and to love unconditionally.
She said as four generations of their family celebrated her mother and father’s special milestone, their final message was “to never give up on each other and to never give up on your dreams”.
