An Ottawa couple in their eighties showed its never too late and tied the knot at their senior living home on Saturday.
David Brush and Maureen Coyne were married in the community chapel of Crystal View Lodge surrounded by family, friends and other senior residents.
The pair say they were introduced during a mealtime at the residence two years ago when Coyne joined Brush and friends at the table.
“We have been sitting at the same table for that length of time. We got to know each other over that length of time and knowledge became love,” said Brush.
“We fell for each other. We love each other a lot,” said Coyne. “I just love him.”
The couple says they don’t feel their age, and the experience feels like young love all over again.
“I’m not, 84, I’m, 24,” said Brush. “I’m not 81, I’m 21,” said Coyne.
Brush is a retired Canadian Air Force veteran. He spent much of his years travelling to more than 50 countries and volunteering with the Lions Clubs International, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Freemasonry.
Coyne is an accomplished educator and author. She taught math and science in Zambia for two years.
“That kind of blends in with what we offer here. This is not just a retirement home. Here you come in, you live a lifestyle. Maybe you meet your old friends. Maybe you meet your next life partner. That is exactly what we are all about is celebrating your new lifestyle here,” said Niraj Chitre, senior general manager of Crystal View Lodge.
Both Brush and Coyne were previously married but say they never thought they would get married again.
“My wife died, a few years ago. A long and happy marriage. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love again, but it happened,” said Brush.
Coyne added, “My husband died four years ago and I said never again. I know there’s never going to be another man in my life, but there was.”
Following the ceremony, the retirement community held a reception for the newlyweds to continue the celebrations with their family and friends.
“This organization here has been tremendous. They’ve taken the workload sort of off us to a large degree, and they have just been great in terms of the assistance they have provided,” said Brush.
The couple say they are looking forward to what the future holds.
“One never knows. Just one thing we do know, happiness. Yeah, happiness. Hopefully we get maybe even ten years,” said Brush. “We’re extremely happy.”
“And we feel blessed by God,” added Coyne.
