Friends and family held a reception for Fred and Marion Bradley of Port Alberni, who celebrated 70 years of marriage on June 18–the same date they were married. The reception was held at their new place of residence, Timberline. Their new neighbours and friends participated in this afternoon celebration held in the dining room.
The staff made mocktails and there was wine for toasting the couple. Fellow resident, Ray Barron, played the Anniversary Waltz on his accordion.
Long-time friend Angie Blake spoke about special moments that she and her late husband Gordon shared with the couple.
Marion thanked everyone for coming and gave special thanks to the staff for their wonderful service.
The couple received many lovely floral arrangements and congratulatory cards.
Fred and Marion met in 1954 in Port Alberni and were married on June 18, 1955 in the First Baptist Church by Reverend Arthur
Willis.
Fred was born in Vancouver but was raised mainly in Union Bay and on the Island. Marion was born in a small town near
Melfort, Saskatchewan and moved to Prince Rupert when she was 10 and then to Port Alberni two years later.
“Our married life has never been dull. Our four children–two girls, Beverly and Janice; and two boys, Scott and Kent–were raised and educated in Port Alberni," they said. "One of our daughters, Janice, and son Kent still live here; our other daughter Beverly and her husband Mel have retired to Hornby Island.
"We are the proud grandparents and great grandparents of eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren."
Fred spent 35 years employed as a teacher and principal of local schools. Marion was employed by Woodward’s and then
Fletchers Furniture. "During those years we were both involved in volunteering, Fred with Cubs, Scouts, hockey and softball," said Marion. In the meantime, she was busy with Family Guidance and directing youth camps.
"We both have been active in our church, the First Baptist Church. In 1989 we retired to Hornby Island. We enjoyed 14 years there becoming involved in the community in New Horizons Senior Program and Elder Housing."
The first five years of retirement were probably the most exciting in their lives, Marion recalled. "We became involved with volunteering in needy countries around the world. First, high in the Andes, in Cochabamba, Bolivia. We helped in the construction of an addition to a youth camp and were next invited to join a team to journey to a very dark and dangerous country.
"There was a need in Sierra Leone, West Africa for volunteers to distribute food to refugees escaping the terrors of the rebellion in Liberia. Our three-month term was cut short when the rebels forced their way across the border. The UNRCR insisted we leave and escorted us to Freetown to make our way home."
The next two adventures were to Guatemala. Both were enjoyable, painting a new school and also doing repairs and
maintenance on a mission compound.
After 14 years on Hornby, in 2003 the Bradleys returned to Port Alberni due to health reasons and built a home in the Burde Hill Estates. "We made many friends and once again became an active part of a small community," Marion said. "In 2024 we heard of a seniors independent living complex being built, 'Timberline at North Park,' and in October 2024 we made the big move to our present community. Our nine months stay at Timberline has been enjoyable and definitely the answer for this stage of our lives.
"Our lives together have been an adventuresome journey and by the Grace of God, the support of family, old friends and new,
we have made it thus far."
