By JESSE GRAHAM
FOR NORM and Joan Way, sticking together for 60 years is all about working with one another, and finding time to do the things you love.
The couple was married at Warburton’s Seventh Day Adventist Church on 20 May, 1956, in a service officiated by Pastor Carl Ulrich.
Joan told the Mail that she and Norm had met in that same church when they were 16, and had been “very active” members ever since.
She said they both worked at Signs Publishing in town, albeit in different departments, until Joan took some time off to raise their children. She then worked at the Jan Elvie Sewing Factory, then the Warburton Healthcare Centre.
Over their 60 years of marriage, both have been involved in community groups, such as the CFA, SES and Red Cross in the area.
But Joan said the key to keeping their marriage strong was simply having time for one another.
“I think it’s working together,” she said.
“We built our house together, before we got married – I think if you learn to work together, that’s the main thing.
“Then, of course, you’ve got the leisure time.”
She said that she and Norm had spent their time downhill skiing, swimming, walking, cycling and playing golf – as well as exploring the country in their caravan.
They received plenty of letters congratulating them on their 60th anniversary last month, but also took the time to celebrate the occasion early at Wild Cattle Creek winery in Wandin on in April.
Though no-one from the original wedding party was able to make it down to the valley for the event, the most important people from the day were present with family and friends, and marked off 60 years of marriage on Joan’s birthday.
