Gertrude and Lionel Fournier grew up four miles away from each other on farms near Warren.

They didn't know each other as kids, but met as teenagers when Gertrude's brother brought her along to a dance. Four years after they met, they tied the knot.

That was 65 years ago.

The couple, who have spent most of their married life in the Valley, were married on May 24, 1947. Following the wedding, they spent a week in Toronto, getting lost in city streets, and in love, before coming home.

Lionel worked in the construction business, while Gertrude stayed home with their three sons, Maurice, Roger and Rheal. The boys are all still married, and have grown the family, which now includes seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Now in their golden years — Gertrude is 91 and Lionel is 85 — the couple still enjoys getting out in their camper trailer and fishing. They loved to dance, much like when they first met, although their bodies don't allow it anymore.

“Our legs gave up on us,” Lionel said with a smile.

The secret, he said, to a long happy marriage is going to bed early and waking up early.

Posted by Arron Pickard