Surrounded by family, friends and generations of descendants, Raymond and Theresa Taylor celebrated an extraordinary milestone on Thursday – their 80th wedding anniversary.
The Timmins couple, aged 99 and 98, marked the occasion with a special family-organized celebration.
The couple arrived at the party in their 1948 Plymouth. Guests welcomed the couple with applause and traditional piping as they made their entrance into the hall.
Their daughter, Kathy Klimczak, said convincing her father to hold another anniversary celebration took some encouragement.
‘Lots of people who love and care for you’
“At first my dad said, ‘Well, at 98 and 99, all our friends are gone.’ I said, ‘Oh, you’ve got lots of people who love you and care for you. There will be lots of people to come.’ So he said, ‘Okay, let’s do another party,’” said Klimczak.
The Taylors were married in Timmins, Ont., on June 5, 1946.
Reflecting on their long marriage, Raymond credited their shared commitment and family life.
“It’s like any other marriages just for longer, but all I can say is it’s been a good marriage. We have seven kids and I think it’s 22 grandchildren. So, it’s been quite productive,” he said.
Theresa offered her own perspective on the secret to their enduring relationship.
“He was a good man, a good father and a real good husband. I get mad at him sometimes, but I’m the boss and he’s the boss. There’s two bosses.”
Messages from across the globe
The celebration also featured congratulatory messages from political leaders and dignitaries, including a blessing from Pope Leo XIV and warm wishes from King Charles III.
“That’s pretty cool,” said great-granddaughter Rebel.
Grandson Ryan said his grandparents have always set a positive example.
“A clean, simple life filled with love and faith is what we always get and what we feel from them as well, all the time,” he said.
Family friend Bob McClusky said the Taylors have earned the respect of everyone who knows them.
“They lead by example, and they’re just wonderful, genuine people,” said McClusky.
Raymond spent 44 years driving truck for Brewers Warehousing, while Theresa worked as a telephone operator before later selling Tupperware.
Today, the couple remains in the home they constructed. Their seven children have stayed close to their roots, with all but one continuing to live in the Timmins area.
