Buckhorn pair celebrates 60 years together
When Bill Spenceley was looking for a partner 60 years ago one of the places that was considered a good place to meet a girl was your church and that is what Bill did. He was doing a radio program in Brantford. The minister of his church did a devotional service at the radio station. Bill asked him if he knew any girls. Bill was given Marilyn’s name. Their first date was at a church service as Bill had to do a recording at the Catholic cathedral in Hamilton.
Five kids and nine grandchildren later they are still telling the story of their first date.
As Marilyn was the younger sister and it wasn’t proper for the younger sister to get married first she and her sister had a double wedding in a Presbyterian church in Mount Pleasant outside of Brantford. Bill’s mother was very ill at the time of the wedding so Marilyn kept her dress on and they took time from the festivities to see his mom. Bill recalls that his mom’s last words were to look after that little girl. He says now Marilyn is looking after him.
They moved to Peterborough right after the wedding. Bill started at CHEX. During his time there he did the sports and farm news and was then news director. In addition to raising their two boys and three girls they moved to Indian River and raised a herd of 30 dairy goats, approximately a half dozen turkeys, two horses, two cows, meat chickens, laying chickens, three little piglets and guinea fowls on their 20 acres.
Next came a move to Toronto. Bill worked for an insurance company and Marilyn as a receptionist for a large international law firm whose clients included Dick Pound, Brian Mulroney and Bob Rae. They bought their place in Buckhorn in ’96 and in 2000 moved here full time.
On July 22 those five children hosted a very welcoming 60th anniversary party celebrating their parents’ marriage and their family. With over 50 people attending Bill and Marilyn were happy to share the success of their 60 year union with family and friends.
Rock the Locks
Lock 31 will be rocking on August 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event celebrates the Trent Severn, Kawarthas and the outdoors. It is held in downtown Buckhorn on the mainstreet. Vendors of clothing and antiques, antique cars, special interest groups, music, food, petting zoo and more will all be there for your enjoyment.
There are free pontoon boat rides. Parking space is limited so park free in the Buckhorn Community Centre upper lot and catch the horse and wagon down to the event at no charge! Decorate your boat and enter into the Float your Boat night parade! Pick up an application at the Buckhorn Community Centre or Welcome Center. Check out RocktheLocks.ca.