Doing things together recipe for long marriage
A popular Bunyip couple, Ron and Nanette Balzary will celebrate 60 years of married life on Thursday.
They were married in Oakleigh in 1962. The couple has lived in Bunyip for 43 years.
They met through an arranged date to go to a company ball whilst both worked for the Colonial Gas Company in Oakleigh, Ron as a gas fitter and Nanette in the office. Ron remembers his father sitting him down early in the morning on the wedding day and having a "man to man" talk with lots of advice.
Nanette remembers her beautiful wedding dress, especially made and gifted to her by her mother. Ron's highlight of the day was seeing Nanette walking down the aisle.
The couple has lived and worked at Wollongong, Fairy Meadows, Oakleigh, Tally Ho and Bunyip. Shortly after they moved to Bunyip Ron was transferred to Wilson's Promontory for five years, then transferred back to Bunyip.
Whilst living at the Prom, they leased their home to the Iona Catholic Parish which was home to 5 nuns who taught at St. Joseph's school in Iona.
After 20 years at the Colonial Gas Company, Ron started his own business as a domestic fitter and maintenance plumber until he retired. Nanette worked as a cook at a teacher's college in Glen Waverley. She also worked at the Hickory Lingerie Company.
Ron and Nanette had three children, Andrew, Matthew and Melinda. Sadly Melinda died in a car accident.
They have seven grandchildren.
The couple has holidayed all over Australia. They both enjoy gardening, touring with lots of driving, visiting people and have a keen interest in family history.
Nanette has been involved with the Country Women's Association where she was once state president. Both Ron and Nanette have been involved in a number of community groups and organisations.
The highlights in their lives include the births of their children and grandchildren.
The question people are always asked when celebrating such a special milestone in their lives is what is their secret to such a long and happy marriage. With Ron and Nanette, they continue to live their "secret" in their daily lives. It's " togetherness" – doing things together. They are inseparable in all they do.