Celebrating 72 years of love through war and peace

It was 1940 when Betty and Roland McGuigan went on their first date.

“I think we went to a movie,” Betty recalls.

But just as their relationship got serious, Roland got the call to serve.

He was a decoder on a Navy ship in the North Atlantic. The two stayed dedicated. They wrote each other letters. He always kept her close with a photo on his ship desk that traveled with him.

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Finally, in November 1944, Roland came back for his first leave after three years away.

“It was the only way I could get home,” Roland said. “I was on leave.”

So on Nov. 11, 1944 the couple from Regina decided to make it official and got married.

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“He was just home for a week or so, and so it was convenient,” Betty said.

Just days later Betty, a new bride, had to part with her husband as he shipped off to sea again.

“It was pretty bad,” she said. “But we got through it alright.”

On Sept. 2, 1945 both were overjoyed at the news that the Second World War had ended. The newlyweds were soon reunited, and began their lives together.

“I had to get her trained,” Roland joked. “No, it was good to get again and get back to routine.”

Now on Remembrance Day every year, they not only celebrate their anniversary, but also his safe return.

They’ve gone on to raise a large family together with five children, 13 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

They credit their long relationship to just getting along, and always putting family first.

“It kind of goes in series you know,” Betty said. “You’re busy with your family and before you know it you’re busy with grandchildren! And now, we seem to keep having great grandchildren.”

They plan to celebrate their anniversary with the whole family, all 30 of them.

“We’re just glad we’re together,” Betty said.

“Yes, that’s the main thing,” Roland agreed.