Glenda, 66, and Rick Halley, 68, define high school sweethearts.
They met in school and decided to get married before they graduated at the tender ages of 16 and 18.
“We always said that we didn’t like the way our parents were raising us so we figured we would go and do it ourselves,” Rick said.
The South Surrey couple both agreed they couldn’t imagine today’s teens tying the knot.
After they said their vows the newlyweds rented their first apartment together in Powell River, $45 a month.
They had to grow up quick.
“We had to cook and clean together. Had to work, we had to do everything together,” Glenda said.
This week they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa in the Comox Valley.
Together they have four children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The key to a long and healthy marriage is communication, they agreed. “It’s not about me, it’s about us,” Rick said.
“I think that’s a problem with so many people today, it’s all about me.”
Rick has one piece of sage advice all married men know all too well.
“A happy wife is a good life.”