47 years and still going

PAKENHAM residents Stan and Beryl Hamilton celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary last week, a blessing and special milestone in their marriage considering their circumstances.
Mrs Hamilton was diagnosed with cancer in October 2007 and was given just three weeks to live.
Tuesday last week, 17 February, marked the couple’s 47th anniversary, and Mrs Hamilton was still there to honour their many years of marriage and continue to amaze all those around her.
The couple met at a dance in Pakenham when they were about 24, and less than two years later exchanged vows at the Pakenham Uniting Church.
They raised three children on the family orchard in Upper Beaconsfield, where Mr Hamilton had lived for 69 years, before moving to Pakenham just a few years ago.
The couple have always been strongly involved in the community and have given a combined 80 years’ service to the Upper Beaconsfield fire brigade.
In 1985 they were named Citizens of the Year for Upper Beaconsfield, and in 2005 were awarded a Pride of Australia Medal for their community spirit.
“We have always been both family and charity oriented,” Mrs Hamilton said.
Mr Hamilton said they had always been a happy couple: “We have a happy marriage, we respect each other and love each other.”
They enjoyed a quiet celebration with family flowers, cake, cards and plenty of telephone calls. “We hope to see a few more anniversaries,” Mrs Hamilton said.