Family and friends gathered for Bill and Irma McKeigan in North Sydney, N.S., Saturday as the couple celebrates 75 years of matrimony.
The couple’s love is one that has endured since the Second World War. Bill McKeigan was serving with the Cape Breton Highlanders when the pair tied the knot on Feb. 21, 1941.
“It started out on a train,” said Irma McKeigan. “Bill was stationed in Saint John, N.B., and I went up to get married."
Little did they know what the future held the day they first met in 1940 when a mutual friend decided to introduce them.
"Babe said, 'This is Willy McKeigan, now you two go for a walk,' and mom said, 'We've walked a lot since then,'" said Sharise McKeigan, the couple’s daughter.
Their marriage has produced four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. It made for long lineups for hugs and congratulations at their anniversary party at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 in North Sydney.
"We've made it this far,” said Irma, “and our family are all home, which is great."
"We've had a wonderful life."
Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke even made an appearance.
"Bill and Irma have been so much a part of the life of North Sydney and the north side,” said Clarke. “This is really a celebration of life."
For nearly their entire 75-year marriage, the McKeigan’s have lived in the same North Sydney bungalow where they raised their children.
Irma says there’s not really a secret to a long and happy marriage.
“It's just a 50/50 proposition,” she said. “Some days are good, some days aren't. You just have to take it."
"Their secret is that they're kind to each other and they're very considerate of other people," said Sharise McKeigan.
This year holds another cause for celebration as Bill turns 100 years old in September.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald.
