Love is in the air: Ron and Heather are happily married after 70 years together.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the end of the Korean War and the marriage of Ron and Heather Hawking — 1953 was a year for big events.
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The Rushworth duo have been through it all, but they got through it together and are now celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.
Ron, 94, grew up in Rushworth while Heather, 91, grew up in Melbourne — but the two met at a dance at Rushworth’s Shire Hall, thanks to Ron’s cousin.
I do: Ron and Heather’s wedding day, March 7, 1953
Photo by
Megan Fisher
After six months of talking over the phone, the couple became engaged and were married on March 7, 1953 at the Hyde St Methodist Church, by Ron’s uncle.
Ron has been heavily involved with the Rushworth community his entire life, having been captain of the fire brigade for 18 years, and was involved with the ambulance service for over 25 years.
Ron still has the scars from one of his days behind the ambulance wheel.
Together: Ron and Heather have been in love for more than 70 years.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“A horse came on to the road and when I was trying to avoid it, it ran towards me again,” Ron said.
“The vehicle rolled and I was covering my face with my hands, so all the glass was in my hands.
“I had to crawl out of the broken windscreen.”
Despite this traumatic tale, Ron tells the story with a small smile.
Heather moved to Rushworth to move in with Ron and became quite invested in the local community, joining the local music scene.
“She’s a great singer. Beautiful voice,” Ron said.
Close bond: Ron and Heather look back on their 70 years together.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Ron said the best day of his life was the day Heather said yes.
“It was a random morning, and we were waiting for the train to go to the MCG,” Ron said.
“She looked so beautiful.”
Ron attributes their long and loving marriage to their mutual “care of each other”.
Through the years, their main challenge has been Heather’s health.
“I’ve had the big three: a stroke, a heart attack and now a pacemaker,” Heather said.
Sharing a laugh: Ron and Heather enjoying the sun at their home.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
They now live at Rodney Park Retirement Village in Mooroopna.
The couple have three daughters, Roe Harrup, Lea Larson and Jan Malouf, as well as six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
All three of their daughters have had long and happy marriages and are convinced it’s in their genes.
The whole family joined Ron and Heather at Fowles Winery on Sunday, March 5 to celebrate their marriage.
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