AS soon as Bill Blanchard met 20-year-old Margaret Stutterd at their workplace, he knew she would be his wife.
Fifty years later — last Monday week (December 10) — the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
After marrying in 1962, they began their life together in Bentleigh while their family home was being built in Springvale.
Soon after moving in, they started a family and had three children – Bill, Kellie and Michelle. Now they have three grandsons and two granddaughters.
Mrs Blanchard enjoyed being involved with her children’s school and sporting activities and served on numerous school committees, while her husband remained a football coach in Bentleigh for many years.
Mr Blanchard, now 80, and Mrs Blanchard, 71, were asked their secret to a happy and long marriage.
Their answer was: “Plenty of laughter and to find enjoyment within your family and the simple things in life.”
