Couple’s love is 70 years strong

A KISS goodnight and three little words every day are what keep Mission Beach couple Bill and Betty Honeywell strong after 70 years of marriage.

William and Beatrice Honeywell (nee Webster) were married on January 11, 1949 at the Methodist church in Mackay.

In fact, it was actually a double wedding with Bill’s sister Iris and Griff Williams making the day even more special.

Next Friday Bill and Betty will celebrate 70 years of marriage bliss.

“They are truly still in as much love 70 years on,” their granddaughter Kelly Sansom said.

She will be travelling from New South Wales to Mission Beach to celebrate their anniversary and spend time with her grandparents.

“They will tell you that after 70 years of marriage all it takes is a kiss goodnight and three little words — ‘I love you’ everyday to keep them happy.”

And just 10 days later after their anniversary Betty will be the centre of attention again as she turns 90 on January 21, which is a double celebration with her sister-in-law Rhoda Wench who also turns 90 on the same day.

After two years of marriage Bill and Betty settled in Gordonvale, although they also lived in the southest for a bit in Brisbane and Lismore.

Ms Sansom said Bill worked as an engineer in the cane mills until he retired when he was 65 years old.

“He was a highly regarded employee and friend at the mill,” Ms Sansom said.

The couple raised two daughters – Mavis and Sandra, and now have three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

While working at the mill Bill decided to build his own home at Bingil Bay, which was where the couple moved once he retired. That hasn’t stopped Bill from keeping active — once he retired Bill decided to take on a new challenge.

“He decided he would take on the Gordonvale Pyramid Race,” Ms Sansom said.

Bill competed in the race every year from age 65 until he was 78 years old.

“His best time was 1hr 47mins,” Ms Sansom said.

Ms Sansom paid tribute to her grandparents and said, “It’s a beautiful story that should be shared.”

The couple still lived at home. Bill enjoyed digging around in his veggie garden, beekeeping and fishing.

He had his last skydive at age 91.

“Betty has kept herself busy raising her family, painting, entering art shows and gardening, which she still loves today,” Ms Sansom said.