Sold the house, left our jobs…now the adventure begins.

 

Paul & Lisa Pitura have been on quite the adventure! Check out their blog:

https://lisaandpaulpitura.wordpress.com/

Agnes Pitura - Celebration of Life

Agnes Patricia Pitura 1916-2015

AGNES PITURA It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, Agnes Pitura on April 5, 2015, aged 98 years, at Lions Manor Personal Care Centre in Winnipeg. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Caroline Kosoir; husband Stanley; her sisters, Betty Johnson, Wanda Dryden and Clara Pitura. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Patricia Reschke, Barry Pitura and Valerie Harasym (Gerry); and her sister Helen Manness (Sidney); and her brother-in-law Carl Pitura. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Christine Enns (Danny), Darrell Reschke (Diane), Debbie Reschke, Alison Zulyniak (Jason), Keith Pitura (Jaime); 10 great-grandchildren, Hayley Legault (Adam), Laura Foxon (Wayd), Erin Audino (Mike), Danielle Enns, Mitchell Reschke, Eric Gallo, Kyler Zulyniak, Brayden Pitura, Abrielle Zulyniak, Tessa Pitura; and four great-great-grandchildren, Ryder, Peyton, Kinley, Adelynne Legault and several nieces and nephews. 

Agnes was born November 30, 1916 in Winnipeg. She started her schooling in Winnipeg, but moved to the farm in Osborne in 1921, where she finished her schooling. Married to Stanley in 1937 and lived on the farm at Domain. She worked for the Red Cross group formed in Domain knitting socks, mitts, sweaters, and quilts. She was a member of the United Church Women and received her life membership from the MWI on June 14, 1972. 

Mom was an excellent cook and baker, winning several awards at local fairs. She also had a beautiful garden with peonies and gladiolus as her favourites. She has instilled in her family the traditions of her Polish heritage. They retired from the farming in the fall of 1978, moving to Winnipeg. They enjoyed their retirement travelling to Florida, Hawaii and Arizona. Since 1985, she has lived on her own until July 2011, when she entered supportive housing and in the last few weeks, Lions Manor Personal Care Centre. 

A celebration of Agnes's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015 at Thomson "In the Park", 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Lions Manor Personal Care Centre, 4th floor for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avonlea United Church in Domain. Mom had a long and full life. Rest in peace. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

2014 Christmas Letter

{ Note: This letter was written by Carl prior to the sudden passing of Clara. }

To the Petura / Pitura Clan,

Once again it is a privilege to be in touch with our family members. In our senior years we feel life speeds up - even though the days have the same number of hours and the weeks are still seven days long. Days that used to drag by - are over in a "Flash"! When life is good we wish we could hit the hold button, such as special events with family and friends, birthdays, and sunsets, etc.

We are both in good health, along with our family we give thanks. We celebrated Thanksgiving Dinner at our condo. We enjoyed blessings on our table - our condo can seat 12-13, a touch tight, usual tradition with every family member bringing a dish.

Also the next day, October 13, Clara and I celebrated out 63rd Wedding Anniversary - with gratitude - the road of life has been good to us! What a blessing! Clara should receive an award!

Clara has been introduced to an iPad from daughter Cheryl, and not with today's technology is able to send short messages with the touch of a finger - with no limits, and photos. Really exciting!

A note about our winter escape - we look forward to one more year! The past 24+ years we would drive 1900 miles taking about 27 hours on the highways. Our family voted to drive the car with 5 1/2 months of living (clothes, golf clubs, etc) to Arizona. Corie and Don have offered and now our journey is changed to 3 hours plus 2 hours at airport. It is an easy lifestyle - over the years we have made many friends in the community golfing, church, and great fellowship, and of course Arizona Sunshine!

Our Christmas Message:
May you all enjoy the best of health and a beautiful and peaceful holiday season with family and friends, and be thankful. May God bless!

'Till we meet again. Love,
Clara & Carl F. Pitura

Also please read Carl's article - Past Patient Pays Tribute To Vic Oncology Team For Clean Bill Of Health (pg 3). http://www.vgh.mb.ca/foundation/documents/TheVicNewsletter-Issue6.pdf

Clara Nellie Pitura 1931-2014

CLARA NELLIE PITURA (nee KOSIOR) Suddenly, on December 10, 2014 Clara passed away in Victoria General Hospital surrounded by her husband Carl and family, from complications during recovery from hip surgery.

Clara was born in the Grace General Hospital on January 13, 1931 to Albert and Caroline Kosior who farmed at Osborne, about 25 miles south of Winnipeg. Clara was the last of five daughters.

Two sisters survive Clara, Agnes Pitura and Helen Manness (Sidney) and predeceased by Betty Johnson and Wanda Dryden.

Clara attended public and junior high school in Osborne and being the youngest daughter helped her dad on the farm hauling grain at harvest and general duties. Attending school at Osborne, Clara met Carl who was a few grades older and at that time a friendship grew.

Clara and Carl were married on October 13, 1951 at Holy Trinity Church in Winnipeg and proceeded to help operate Pitura Seed Farms four miles North of the Kosior farm. Both having rural roots, they enjoyed the challenges of the day.

Clara and Carl were blessed with five children, Carolynne (John), Calvin (Barb), Cheryl (Craig), Corie (Don) and son Michael who was deceased at birth, grandchildren Katie, Sheena, Jenny, Vicki, Connor, Brenden, Caelyn and great-granddaughter Emma.

Clara's focus was her family, taking the kids to Sunday school, 4-H events, music lessons and sports. As the children grew to adults, Clara built strong friendships with each one. She was proud of Carolynne's accomplishments as an educator and Calvin's commitment to the family farm. She enjoyed visits with Cheryl through their many moves, and the daily phone call and support from Corie at 8:15 in the morning. Clara's greatest joy was sharing life with her soul mate, Carl, for 63 years.

Clara was an avid reader and later in life a talented artist. She loved having a beautiful yard and garden filled with peonies and roses. We will all miss her wonderful meals, especially her perogies and sticky buns!

Clara was a Seed Grower earning a Long Service Certificate, and as Carl was a director and grower as well, they both enjoyed attending Seed Grower functions across Canada, from Fort St. John, B.C. to Peggy's Cove in P.E.I. and making many friends.

Clara and Carl enjoyed winter escapes in the sun from Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and settling in Arizona starting with a couple of weeks and later five and a half months since 1984. Clara and Carl also enjoyed a tour of Europe and Poland to search some family roots.

Clara enjoyed golf with ladies leagues and fellowship continuing up to a few weeks ago with a fun day with friends at Fountain of the Sun Country Club.

Clara was a member of Avonlea United Church in Domain, Manitoba, and recently attending Trinity United Church in Winnipeg, as well as Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona during the winter months.

Clara had a wonderful life that ended too soon. We will miss her.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 15 at Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. All are welcome to remain for a reception after the service. Interment will follow at Avonlea Cemetery in Domain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba in memory of Clara or the Pitura Family Endowment Foundation at the Victoria General Hospital or the charity of your choice. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

The Tradition of Tradition

Stemming from five generations back, in the historic country of Poland in Eastern Europe to the city life of a family in Western Canada, there’s a family who’s striving to preserve their heritage. Interestingly it doesn’t involve fancy, state-of-the-art technology or the latest app. It’s founded in flour and water, some potatoes and cheese, around a Christmas tree, with lots of laughter and reminiscing.

A family tradition is like a well-worn but welcoming quilt. Enveloping, warm, and comforting. Cocoon yourself in tradition and see what transpires. Whether a tradition is lived out in the family room or kitchen, you’re creating a museum of memories for your loved ones.

That’s exactly what the Pitura/Manness family has done for five generations, touching on two continents and involving hundreds, perhaps thousands of doughy little morsels. Yes, it’s the humble, but mighty perogy. This family has built a Christmas tradition around the perogy, the staple of every good Polish kitchen.

It began with Clara Pitura’s mother who was an avid perogy maker. Clara says she had no desire to learn this Polish culinary dish, but there came a point in her life when she had to step into the kitchen to learn on her own. She mastered cheese and potato perogies as well as the always-delightful saskatoon and blueberry ones that came out of her loving kitchen for her family.

Continue reading the entire story here: http://www.dotemagazine.com/the-tradition-of-tradition/

Granny's Perogie Receipe: http://www.dotemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Perogies-Recipies.jpg

1911 Census of Canada

I have found 14 entries with the name Pitura / Petura in the 1911 Census of Canada. This census includes nine provinces - Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, and two territories - the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories; and seems to be the first Canadian Census that the name Pitura / Petura appears.

The families listed on the first 2 documents are accounted for in our family tree. The remaining one is no not. Please leave a comment if you have any information.

1) Manitoba, Dauphin - 16 - 53:

 

Listed: Jacko Pitura (head), Maria Pitura (wife), Sofia Pitura (daughter), Anastazya Pitura (daughter), Martall Pitura (son), Apolonia Pitura (daughter), Rozalia Pitura (daughter), Amilia Pitura (daughter), and Josepha Pitura (daughter). 

John Petura was born in 1862 in the Village of Chorostkov, Husiatyn, Poland. He came to Canada in 1902, with his wife Maria, born in 1872, daughter of Eraz Bihun and Pauline Prostrileny. They settled in Ethelbert, Manitoba on the NE 1/4 22-28-22 donated by Mary's mother, Pauline Bihun. Several years later they bought NW 27-28-22. 

Here is the passenger list from when John, Maria & family left Poland and sailed on the Armenia from Hamburg, Germany on May 2, 1902 to arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on June 13, 1902. 

John & Maria had a total of 10 children. They brought four children with them from Poland: Annie / Hannah born August 9, 1892; Frances / Franka born January 6, 1894; Sophie / Zoska born June 22, 1896 and Nellie / Nastia born in 1898. And had six children born to them in Canada: Lena / Penlenka, Elsie, Jessie, Frank, Rose and Michael. Rose and Michael passed away at an early age of diphtheria. 

Annie married Paul Bilowus, and later Peter Bohonos. Frances marreid Philip Rozik. Sophie married Michael Plawicki. Nellie married Nick Moroz. Lena married Stanely Pilat. Jessie married Michael Sawicki and later Andy Lutzyk. Elsie married John Wasyluk and Frank married Anne Medwid. 

John passed away in 1948 at the age of 86 and Maria in 1950 at the age of 78. They are burried at the Mink Creek Cemetery. 

This is also another example of the Pitura / Petura name change game, and how there were many different variations of spellings and misspellings on documentation. For fun, here are how the names changed through the years: 

Jan Pitura --> Jacko Pitura --> John Pitura --> John Petura 

Maria Bihun --> Maria Pitura --> Maria Petura 

Anna Pitura --> Hannah Pitura --> Annie Bilowus --> Annie Bohonos 

Fronka Pitura --> Franka Pitura --> Frances Rozik 

Sosia Pitura --> Zoska Pitura --> Sofia Pitura --> Sophie Plawicki 

Nastja Pitura --> Anastazya Pitura --> Nastia Pitura --> Nellie Moroz 

Michal Pitura --> Mikoly Pitura --> Martall Pitura --> Michael Petura

Apolonia Pitura --> Polly Pitura --> Palenka Pitura --> Lena Pilat 

Rozalia Pitura --> Rose Petura 

Amilia Pitura --> Aniela Pitura --> Elsie Wasyluk 

Josepha Pitura --> Josefa Pitura --> Jessie Sawicki --> Jessie Lutzyk 

Franek Pitura --> Frank Petura

2) Manitoba, Winnipeg - 24 - 89:

Listed: Paul Petura (head), Barvara Pitura (wife). 

Son of Tomasz Pitura, Paul and Barbara first came to Winnipeg and lived on Aberdeen street, then had four sons of their own Peter, Walter, Michael and Joseph in McMunn, Manitoba.

3) Ontario, Algoma East - 54 - 25:

Listed: Mayk Petura (head). 

Christmas Message

To the Pitura/Petura Clan,

It is indeed a special time this Christmas as Clara and I look back on the milestone events of the past year of our lives.

We feel it is a privilege and even a duty to be in touch with family members of the Pitura/Petura Families since  our first family “Roots Gathering” in Winnipeg in 1995. It seems almost unbelievable that through our Pitura  Family Web Site we can instantly be together. Thanks to this technology!

Firstly, we are both in good health. We give thanks for this and our extended family are well and busy ---- our first Great grand daughter is on the Big School Bus and is off to school already. Emma is 7 years old!

Secondly, Clara and I celebrated our 60th Wedding Anniversary in October. We enjoyed a reception dinner and fellowship with twenty five family and guests. Previous to this in September, we hosted a family dinner in Calgary for family members unable to attend in Winnipeg because of work schedules and travel costs.

Further, to the occasion, Carl and Clara received congratulations from the following; the Prime Minister of Canada, Hon Stephen Harper, the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, the Lieutenant Governor , Hon Philip S. Lee, the Premier of Manitoba Greg Selinger and a number of other officials. This was not expected and indeed a surprise. We were honored and humbled to receive these presentations.

Also as a note of interest, Clara’s eldest sister Agnes Pitura celebrating 95 years and second oldest sister Helen Manness, 91 years, attended our celebration. What a Blessing!    

We write this Christmas letter from Arizona, this is our winter escape and our second home in Fountain of the Sun Country Club in Mesa Arizona. Our first visit was in 1984 for a couple of weeks with brothers Frank and Doris, Stanley and Agnes, and Walter and Myrtle. We were all together in Holiday Village for a time visiting and enjoying Happy Hours! 

Our Christmas Message - May you all enjoy the Best of Health and a beautiful and peaceful Holiday Season with Family and Friends and be thankful! We live in a Great Country - May God Bless…..Till we meet again.

Love,
Carl and Clara

Note: Carl F. Pitura is the last surviving family member and son of Paul and Sophie Pitura of Winnipeg, Manitoba who immigrated to Canada from Poland in 1901. He is not referred to as the Patriarch of the Pitura Family.  We give thanks again!

Agnes Pitura Celebrates 95 Years!

Agnes Pitura celebrated her 95th Birthday with family on November 27th at her new residence, The Rosewood, in Winnipeg.

Agnes Patricia Kosior was born Nov 30, 1916 to Albert & Caroline Kosior, and is the eldest sibling to four sisters, Helen, Elizabeth (Betty), Wanda (Mick), and Clara. On October 16, 1937 she married Stanley Pitura, son of Paul and Sophie Pitura, and raised 3 children, Patricia (Pat), Barry and Valerie, on their farm in Domain, later retiring to Winnipeg, where Agnes has lived since.

Agnes with her Children

Valerie & Pat with Agnes. Missing: Barry

Agnes with her Grandchildren
Agnes has 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; with more on the way!

Agnes with a few Nieces and Nephews

Sisters

 Helen Manness with Agnes.

Your loving family wishes you happiness, health and much love on your birthday. Happy Birthday Agnes!

Carl & Clara Pitura - A Love Story

Prepared by Carolynne Pitura for Carl & Clara's 60th Wedding Anniversary

Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Clara and a young man named Carl who on October 13th, 1951 (60 years ago) began a beautiful journey together.

Clara was the youngest of 5 daughters born to Caroline and Albert Kozier of Osborne, Manitoba. Carl was the youngest of 5 sons (4 surviving sons) born to Sophie and Paul Pitura of Domain, Manitoba. Carl had a twin brother who unfortunately did not thrive after birth and passed away at the age of 8 months. 

Originally Sophie and Paul and their family had lived in Winnipeg, but there came a time when Grandpa Paul wanted a better life for his sons and they moved to the original farm land when the boys were small. This is the land that is still farmed by Calvin today.

Dad  and Mom grew up together in the Domain/Osborne community. Dad attended Shanawan School which was located next to the Dobrowolski farm stead and Mom attended the Osborne School. Now being 6 years apart in age and at different schools, Dad and Mom really did not interact much with each other until Dad moved to Osborne School for high school. In fact, Dad spent more time with Mom’s older sisters Wanda  and Betty than he did with Mom initially. And as Dad reflected one day…. “ at 16 - 17, every girl looked attractive - there was Alice Linkquist, Viola Poersch, and others”. It was also rumored that Mom had her eye on a Eddie Guertin from Ste. Agathe. Things could have turned out so much differently.

As time went on, Mom’s older sisters married and/or moved away from home to work, Agnes, Helen, Betty and Wanda. Mom remained on the farm and worked with Grandpa and Grandma Kozier, helping driving equipment, working in the yard, and doing the multi jobs that are involved in running a family farm.

Dad worked along side his parents and brothers, Walter, Frank and Stanley. Walter, Frank and Stanley eventually set up their own farms and Dad continued to farm with Grandma and Grandpa Pitura until he was 22; at which time Grandma and Grandpa moved back to the city and opened up a small store on College Avenue until their move to Seymour.

“What am I supposed to do all by myself?”  Dad remembers commenting when Grandma and Grandpa left, so he invited Aunt Agnes and Uncle Stanley to live with him on the homestead for the next 4 years as their family was growing. At the time they moved in with Dad, they were living in a very small home that was no longer meeting the needs of their growing family. With this living arrangement, Dad would stay on the farm with Aunt Agnes, Uncle Stanley and the family until Christmas and then would  move into the city and stay with Grandma and Grandpa Pitura until spring rolled around. While Dad was in Winnipeg, he took courses at the University.

So how did it all begin? So don’t know whether they wanted to be secretive, or just had a difficult time remembering because they had so much fun together. But upon much reflection by both Mom and Dad, it appears that their first date “just sort of happened”.

Every Sunday, all the girls would come back to the Kozier home for Sunday dinner. Aunt Betty, who Dad had been courting for awhile, needed a ride to the train station in Ste Agathe to go back into Winnipeg that evening. This particular day, Dad volunteered to drive Betty to the station but also asked Mom to come along for the ride. Well, we know what happened then. Dad saw the light and a new romance began.

Mom and Dad went out or courted for about two years. When asked what they did on dates, both Mom and Dad said that due to the war years (end of WWII and the beginning of the Korean war) with many family and friends overseas, dating was very low key. Dad who had taken violin and saxophone lessons in grades 9, 10 and 11, became a member of a band that played at many local dances and events. There were also whisk drives at the Sanford school which were usually followed by a dance or social, there were barn dances, family dinners…….and I remember seeing pictures of  fun times up at Kenora!

So the big day came along. It was Christmas Eve and the family was gathered at the Kozier home. Dad drew Mom aside into a side room and on bended knee put a ring on her figure. As Mom commented…. “what could I do….. I had to say yes….. Dad just put it on my finger with out even asking……”  (I don’t think she fought too hard.) 

Now we all know that it was the “proper” thing to ask the father of the young lady in question for his daughter’s hand in marriage, however. in Dad‘s case, besides Grandpa Kozier, Dad also had to gain the approval of the potential brother in laws, Uncle Sid, Uncle Stanley and cousin Bill.

Plans moved forward for a June wedding. Unfortunately, things were put on hold when Grandma Carolina passed away in February. Mom made the decision to stay on the farm and help Grandpa Albert with the spring seeding, summer chores and fall harvest. The June wedding was moved back to October.

So the wedding date was set - Friday, October 13th
The church was booked - Holy Trinity Church on Donald
The bride‘s maids were chosen - sisters Betty and Wanda
The groom’s men picked - Bob Dryden and Ted Dobrowoski (Sadly, Uncle Bob ended up the hospital prior to the wedding so Uncle Walter stepped in to fill the gap).
Flower girl - Valerie (Only 3 years old at the time and cute as a button. It should be noted that Valerie is the only surviving member the wedding party.) 

The girls wore pale green satin dresses and carried bouquets of white and yellow moms. Valerie was dressed in a pale pink satin dress. Mom’s bouquet was made up of gardenias and daisies.

The day was cool and slightly overcast, but as Mom and Dad were leaving the church the sun came out and shone upon them. A very good sign! Dad shared with me that the aisle walking out of the church was the longest aisle he ever walked down, especially since they were being hit with rice and confetti from all directions; and the fact that only a few days before he had stepped on a nail and was still limping slightly.

The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Pembina Lodge on Pembina Highway. A big old home that was converted into a reception hall. A turkey dinner with all of the trimmings was served to about 75 people.

The day after the wedding, there was a family dinner at the Kozier farm. All the sisters (Agnes, Helen, Wanda, Betty)  and sister in laws (Doris, Myrtle) cooked up a small feast.

Dad remembers the sadness in Grandpa Albert’s eyes that day as Mom had become his right hand person,  working with him on the farm, hauling grain, cooking, taking care of Grandpa and the yard. But despite this sadness, Grandpa did send Mom away with a dowry of a couple of cows, a heifer and a side of pork. Grandpa also bought Mom a set of pots and a set of knives from a traveling salesman. I mention these, because only a few days ago, Corie cooked potatoes in the very same pot for our Thanksgiving dinner.

Dad also remembers that Grandpa Paul and Grandma Sophie gave him and Mom a wedding gift of $100.00, which was a lot of money in those days and totally unexpected. He couldn’t thank them enough for the money!

The honeymoon was a trip to Yellowstone Park and the Badlands. Now, Dad only had a pick up truck at the time they were married, so Grandpa Albert or Pappy as he was fondly called, felt that was not suitable for his little girl for her honeymoon, so lent Dad his red, bullet nose Studebaker. Now they were traveling in style. And all that Pappy wanted in return was that they come home safe and sound with a full tank of gas and fresh Quaker State Oil in the car.

When the honeymoon was over, Mom and Dad returned to the family home which meant that Aunt Agnes, Uncle Stanley and the kids moved back to their small home while their new larger home was being built.

Dad’s first line of business even prior to the wedding was to be a seed breeder and marketer. The challenge he always wanted to overcome was the missing link between the breeder and the farmer, which resulted in him become a pedigree seed grower for over 50 years. He started with 10 pounds of seed, a little yellow tractor and Mom by his side, planting plots of grain … and we all know things developed from there.

On the side, Mom and Dad also raised turkeys for a few years. Turkeys were considered mortgage lifters and were only around until the mortgage was paid. There were also a few head of cattle for a few years, chickens during the summer, and I do remember two pigs in the back barn. But growing grain was Dad’s passion and became the foundation of the farm.

Besides planting pedigree seeds, Mom and Dad also began to plant another form of seed and 2 years after their wedding, they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl…… me (Carolynne). Now, I must admit, I was Mom and Dad’s little princess, especially Dad’s, and I can remember sitting on his knee in the evening and having him read me stories. I remember standing on a chair and helping Mom wash dishes and bake cookies.

Two years later, Mom was pregnant again. however, things did not turn out well. Mom slipped on the stairs while cleaning turkeys and baby Michael was born prematurely. His lungs were not developed enough and he did not survive.

Now at age 4, I am feeling really special, until that fateful day in November, when a little brother entered my life. Calvin was born. First son… so much for my position of importance on Dad’s lap. A fall from stardom. And then a year and a half later in May, another sibling. Sister Cheryl was born. I must admit, I was not a very nice big sister. Who would have thought that a 5/6 year old could be so jealous. Anyways, I did get better when Corie came along 4 years after that.

Life on the farm was always busy for the 6 of us. There was always lots to do no matter what season. I do remember that no matter how busy things were, as a family we were always together for meals. Especially dinners where conversations were lively and animated. Mom’s special fried chicken on Sunday and broiled steak on Saturday night. When Dad was away at meetings, there was always chili for us kids to eat.

Over the years, there were several family trips across the country to seed grower conventions, warm Sunday afternoons at St Malo beach with family and friends, family dinners and get togethers with both sides of the family, a trip to Expo 67 in Montreal, and one very memorable camping trip with a pop up camper. Road trips were always very interesting with 4 children. Who would have the window seat, who would have to sit in the front with Mom and Dad, who got the hump in the middle.

Anyways, there are many many stories to tell, but I need to stop. Today is a true celebration of love between two very special people. Two people who built a life together, who raised a family together, and who cherish every day together through sickness and health, in good times and in bad, during sunny days and stormy ones. Two very special people who have shared their special love with everyone around them over the years and continue to be role models for their children and grand children.

Albert Schweitzer said “ At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person… Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” 

Mom and Dad, you are the light  that brightens our lives every day. Your love for each other and your family  over the last 60 years has been the flame that has inspired us and guided us.

We are so honored to be able to celebrate this your  60th Wedding anniversary today. Now let us toast our bride and groom.