CLEVELAND couple Ken and June Busfield are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary today and recalling the best part of their marriage life.
With four children, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Ms Busfield said their pride and joy was watching their family members grow up.
Ms Busfield said she was thrilled to be expecting great great grandchildren this year.
“We are very proud of our family and they have done very well,” she said.
The Busfields marked their 60th year milestone with a trip to Mooloolaba with family on the weekend and their love of travelling will see them brave the cold in Iceland next week where they will begin their holiday cruise.
The duo from Scotland said they locked eyes at school in Yolkshore and had their first date after a memorial service for King George V when he died in 1952.
“The school wanted local representatives to attend and it just so happens that I came with my friends and he he came with his and we all met afterwards at a social club,” Ms Busfield said.
“She had a long walk home afterwards so I offered to walk with her,” Mr Busfield said.
When asked what the secret was to having a long and happy marriage, the couple chuckled.
“I guess it could be keeping out of each other’s way,” he said.
“We are different but we become involved in community groups and keep ourselves busy but we used to do a lot of dancing and walking together.”
In 1976, the couple immigrated to Brisbane with their children.
Mr Busfield worked as a chemistry professor at Griffith University’s Nathan Campus in the School of Science, which was in its second year, while Ms Busfield began as a primary school teacher at Acacia Ridge.
Since moving to Redland City in 1999, they have been avid members of the community becoming involved with the Cleveland Uniting Church, U3A and Redland Probus Club.
“I have enjoyed being a U3A tutor of the Pedal for pleasure cycling group and have lead tours in New Zealand and Victoria,” Mr Busfield said.
“I am a U3A life member after being president for five years,” Ms Busfield said.
“I began when it was first being built up.”
Granddaughter Nicola Miller said her grandparents were a very supportive, generous and loving couple.
“Their love for each other is still as strong as ever and they are great role models for the rest of the family,” she said.
“They’re devoted to their family, church and community.”