100-year-old celebrates 75 years of marriage

KELOWNA- Julien and Rita Laforce have been happily married for 75 years on July 15.

For most, being married for 75 years is a milestone all on its own, but Julien hits another mark this year: Wednesday is his 100^th birthday. He’ll be celebrating at Kelowna’s Parkinson Senior Society, where he’s a regular.

“I can tell you this: I never expected to live this long. I lost my parents very young,” he said.

When asked what the secret to living such a long life was, Julien replied with a sense of humour, saying “that’s a secret.”

His friend, Archie Archibald, said it’s not only his quick wit that keeps him from aging.

“His wife,” Archibald said, when asked what keeps him young.

With their 75^th wedding university coming up, soon-to-be 95-year-old Rita and her husband will become one of the longest-married couples in British Columbia.  They were married in 1940 after a whirlwind romance, that started with a meeting on a frozen lake in Northern Alberta where Rita was learning to ice skate.

“I think at the most we went out maybe three times together,” said Julien.

“I think it’s five dates? Five dates,” added Rita.

For Jewell, seeing her parents happily married for so long is wonderful.

“Really is just an honor to be able to share this time with them and the memories we will get…We will have them forever, and I hope we get to celebrate 101,” said Jewell.

As for the key to their long marriage?

“Patience and sacrifice,” said Rita.