Family is the key to life

Laurie and Nancy O’Connell celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary today.

The six decade milestone had been full of love, family and music.

Mr O’Connell was a part of the Bunbury City Band for 70 years. They met when he would play in the band for her marching girls’ team on Saturdays.

“When I went off to play, she went off to march,” Mr O’Connell said.

After four years of dating they were excited to begin their life together and married in 1960.

They both said the secret to a long and happy marriage is family.

“We are lucky all of our kids live in the region and we see our grandchildren and great-grandchildren often,” Mr O’Connell said.

“Life is great with all those children around.”

They loved travelling the world together — a trip to Europe in 2006 was a highlight.

The O’Connells hope their future years are filled with many more adventures together, overseas or right at home.

Seeing all our grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up will be a real privilege,

Mr O’Connell was an apprentice at the South Western Times in 1954 and worked as a machine compositor until 1970. He now operates the print shop at the Dardanup Heritage Park.

“I’ve got ink in my blood,” he said.