60-year anniversary

blossomed, they became engaged and made plans for their wedding. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Louis was involved in a severe motorcycle accident, landing him in hospital and necessitating a postponement of their original wedding date.

Throughout Louis' arduous recovery, Catherine stood by his side, offering unwavering support despite the potentially life-threatening injuries he sustained. By the time their rescheduled wedding arrived on June 1, 1963 Louis had largely recovered and the couple was able to seal their relationship at St. Andrews Church in Lutwyche.

It all began when Louis sought advice from a judge that his mother worked for. It was in regard to purchasing a plot of land where he envisioned settling down with his future wife. When he knocked on the door, a stunning young lady named Catherine who turned out to be the judge's niece, greeted him. He said hello in his Lancashire accent and they exchanged pleasantries, seemingly unimportant.

In a twist of fate, Catherine and Louis became neighbours, residing in separate houses owned by Catherine's grandmother. However, it wasn't until years later that Louis was formally

Their first date took place at the Fortitude Valley Swimming Pool in the early 1960s. As their relationship

Following their nuptials, Louis and Catherine moved into the home they had built on the very plot of land Louis had acquired years earlier upon the advice of Catherine's uncle. It was within those walls that they raised their four children - Jim, Margie, Pam and Sam. While Catherine dedicated more than 50 years of her life to working as a pharmacist, Louis pursued various occupations, initially in chemical plants and later as a turner and fitter.

They lived in that cherished home until their retirement, when they relocated to Beachmere, settling into the house Catherine's father had previously built and inhabited. In this new chapter of their lives, they joyfully welcomed nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild (so far). On June 3, 2023, the couple commemorated a momentous 60th wedding anniversary at the Silver Spoon in Beachmere. Surrounded by loved ones they revelled in the celebration, cherishing the family they had lovingly nurtured since 1963.

Louis and Catherine are adored for their warmth and compassion as grandparents, their generosity as parents and their unwavering willingness to extend a helping hand to all who cross their path. In Beachmere they continue to savour the joys of life, enveloped by the family they cultivated throughout the decades.