These two lovebirds have just notched up an anniversary of diamond proportions.
Florence and Vincent Gates first met at a dance at the RSL hall in Altona and dated for a year before tying the knot on July 10, 1943, at the West Footscray Presbyterian Church.
Last week, the couple celebrated 75 years of marriage surrounded by family and friends.
When they married, the Gates’ didn’t have the money to go away on honeymoon and spent a couple of years living with Vincent’s mum before getting their own home in Footscray. They then moved out to Balliang East, where their children, Ken and Barbara, started school.
Their brood has expanded to include three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Family has always come first in the Gates’ household, and Sunday roasts played a big part in that. The couple also took their kids on a road trip around Australia every year, where they would stay in caravan parks.
The pair moved to Queensland for 38 years, where Vincent worked for Ford until the company shut its doors, before coming back to Victoria and living in Sunbury for a number of years.
They now call Baptcare Wyndham Lodge in Werribee home. Staff say the couple always do things together, even when taking part in activities.
When asked about the secret behind their happy union, Vincent, 94, said: “When I don’t want to hear her, I take my hearing aid off.”
Florence, 92, added: “I’m ready to trade in now!”
