Cape Breton, N.S. couple celebrates 75th wedding anniversary

CTV News

3 hours ago

It was on Aug. 16, 1950, that Ray and Jean MacKay of Cape Breton said their 'I do's.'
'Time flies, and all too quickly,' Ray said on Tuesday, 75 years and three days later.
On Saturday, the couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in their home community of Westmount, N.S.
They can still remember the 1950 ceremony in a little white church in Skir Dhu, N.S - along the Cabot Trail - with the outdoor reception afterward lit by kerosene lanterns.
'There was no electricity, no running water, so everything was done the hard way,' Jean recalled with a laugh.
All these years later, there is something else the bride recalls from that day.
'The wedding was [supposed to be] at 7p.m., and Mr. Tardy was late,' she said referring to her husband. 'So, the wedding was at 7:30.'
Three quarters of a century later, both husband and wife agree that they have more than made up for that lost time.
This past weekend, they were showered with cards from family and friends, along with a congratulatory certificate from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and plenty of visitors at the home they have lived in for decades.
Cards
Cards the couple has received for their 75th wedding anniversary. (CTV Atlantic/Ryan MacDonald)
Jean is 96 years old. Her husband is 102 and is a Second World War navy veteran - having served from 1942 until the end of the war in 1945.
He is also well-known in his community for playing the organ at Westmount United Church and has been recognized as one of the oldest church organists in Canada.
Another thing that is clear is that the two have not lost their sense of humour over the years.
'I tell people that Jean and I do a little travelling these days,' Ray said with a wry smile. 'I drive her up the wall, and she drives me up the wall.'
The listed Guinness World Record for longest marriage is 88 years, 349 days, set back in the 19th century.
When asked whether they have any hopes of approaching that mark, the couple's sense of humour came to the forefront again.
'No,' Jean MacKay said. 'I think we'll probably get divorced before then,' she said.
All joking aside, the couple agreed they have plenty to be grateful for.
They say they are in reasonably good health for their age and have four children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren - with more on the way.
When asked what their secret is to such a long and happy marriage, the pair said they have had their ups and downs over the years like any other couple but have found ways to push through.
'No secret, just patience,' Jean said. 'And keep on trucking.'
Ray and Jean MacKay
Ray and Jean MacKay on their wedding day, Aug. 16, 1950. (CTV Atlantic/ Ryan MacDonald)
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page