MANITOULIN—There is something magical about the air on Manitoulin Island and that magic seems to extend to marriage longevity. In these days of increasing numbers of divorce, two Island couples have amassed a whopping 130 years between them. 

When asked what the secret to a long and happy marriage on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary by their daughter Patricia Aelick, Jack and Betty Wood were in accord.

“I asked them what their secret was for being married for 65 years,” said Ms. Aelick “My mom said to not be mad at each other at the same time. My dad had a similar answer…he said to keep quiet when your partner was angry. Don’t add fuel to the fire.”

Mr. Wood shared a story of when they were first married, and they had a disagreement. “They didn’t talk to each other for two days,” said Ms. Aelick. “On the second day, my dad was working in the field and was thinking about the argument. He couldn’t remember what they were arguing about. When he went in for lunch, he asked my mom. She couldn’t remember either. They agreed that they would never do that again.” The rest is Island history.

Gerry and Lois Bond agree. Gerry Bond suggests it was hard work, but his wife Lois maintains her husband was “an angel.” “You need to work together,” she said.

Congratulations to Jack and Betty Wood and Gerry and Lois Bond. Two Manitoulin couples, whatever the secret to maintaining a loving marriage, they have definitely found it.

by Michael Erskine

with files from Patty Aelick