Luckens have ‘no regrets’ after 70 years wed
Horsham’s Lesa and George Lucken say never going to bed cranky is the secret to their 70-year marriage.
The couple met at a mutual friend’s birthday party playing musical chairs and were married in Holland on November 11, 1953.
Three years later they immigrated to Australia.
Mr Lucken said while they both attended the same kindergarten, they did not meet each other until later.
He said his trick to a long and happy marriage was two words – yes dear.
Mrs Lucken said the statement went both ways.
She said they were very happy and had no regrets.
“We had our daughter Marjo in Holland and were living with my mum, so we went to the office to see if we could get a house,” Mrs Lucken said.
“We were going to have to wait five years when we saw a sign for migration to Australia.
“They didn’t tell me about poisonous snakes or spiders and now when I see a little thing crawling on the floor I still call for George.”
Mr Lucken said within three months of inquiring about migrating, they were on a boat to Australia.
Their sons Bert, Ron and Fred were then born.
Mr Lucken worked in the rail industry and the family moved across New South Wales and Victoria.
He worked in Murtoa, Goroke and Horsham, with relief stints at Ararat and Stawell and other localities in the Wimmera.
After the couple retired they travelled around Australia, settled in Hamilton and then moved to Horsham to be closer to family. They have 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
“The best thing we ever did was migrate to Australia,” Mr Lucken said.