BOTH 91 years young, Stan and Nora McRae have just celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
The Nambucca Valley couple shared their remarkable journey with News Of The Area, recalling the moment they first met and the adventures that followed.
“I was looking for a girl to take to the Halvorsen’s Ball,” Stan told NOTA, referring to the well-known boat-building company.
“Some friends introduced me to Nora and I fell in love with her immediately.”
Nora echoed the sentiment and added, “As soon as I saw him, I fell in love and knew that this was the man for me.”
The couple married at St Charles Church in Top Ryde in October 1951 and went on to raise three children – a daughter, then a son, and another daughter.
After retiring at the age of 57, they bought a caravan and spent nine adventure-filled years travelling Australia together.
Their arrival in the Nambucca Valley came two decades ago when they were looking after their son’s house.
They quickly fell in love with the area and made it their permanent home.
When asked the secret to a happy marriage they were both in agreement.
“There must be give and take, it can’t be all one-sided,” said Stan.
They also believe in the power of staying active, with their motto being ‘Less talk, more walk’.
They still enjoy walking together most days and share a love of crosswords.
Both Stan and Nora have a deep love for the ocean and Stan has a proud sailing background, having been in the winning crew of the Sydney to Hobart race on a number of occasions.
Both still very mobile and spritely, Stan takes the lead in the kitchen at breakfast time and recently renewed his driver’s licence however Nora gave up driving a few years ago.
The pair celebrated their 73rd anniversary with a dinner at the Nambucca Heads RSL, courtesy of one of their grandsons.
When asked if there’s a song or motto that sums up their love story, they both agreed it is “They Said We Were Too Young”.
Seventy-three years on, Stan and Nora McRae remain a shining example of love that can last a lifetime.
By Mick BIRTLES
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