I do, again

Besotted with each other, Queensland couple 87 year old Mary and 93 year old Eric Tillack were looking forward to their big day – again.

Wedding bells and wedded bliss was in the air for the Inverpine Residential Care Community couple who renewed their vows yesterday after 66 years of marriage.

Mrs Tillack said like any bride-to-be, she was looking forward to the big day, however her groom was a little more nervous. 

“I gave Eric plenty of reassurance. After all, it was too late to change his mind now!” she jokes.

Pictured is RSL Care diversional therapists, Annie Van Kruining and Nina Reberger, with RSL Care Inverpine residents Eric and Mary Tillack.

While the couple can’t remember the exact moment they first met, Mr Tillack recalls it wasn’t too long after he was discharged from the Australian Army.

“I served in the Australian Army between 1940 and 1946 with postings in Paua New Guinea, Moritai Island and Borneo. My brother, who was already engaged, invited me out one day. That’s when I met Mary. I was very lonely before that. Mary was a wonderful source of companionship and we got along famously,” he says.

Mrs Tillack remembers the moment she fell in love with her husband.

“When Eric put his arm around me and led me onto the dance floor – I fell in love with his hands! I really did. I knew right then that he was the one for me,” she said. 

Their secret to a long lasting marriage is as simple as having a deep love for one another, being patient and also tolerant.

“We sometimes disagree on things, but not once have we ever had an argument,” Mrs Tillack said.

“Eric has always put the family first. He has been a wonderful husband and father.

“We get along very well. We never fight; we always talk things through and sort it out. I think being a good listener is beneficial,” Mr Tillack adds.

The couple moved into RSL Care Inverpine Residential Care Community last year after Mrs Tillack began to have a few falls at home.

RSL Care diversional therapists, Annie Van Kruining and Nina Reberger, said: “If ever there was a couple skewered by cupid’s arrow it is Eric and Mary. Sixtysix years of marriage and 11 children would be proof enough but they really are like two peas in a pod.”

The RSL Care team transformed the facility’s dining room into a wedding venue where the couple said ‘I do’ again yesterday.

“We arranged for a wedding arch, chair covers, flowers, balloons, a red carpet as well as entertainment and the Chaplin of course,” they say.

“The craft group were busy makingup bonbonnieres – tulle gift bags containing conversation sweets. Our volunteer, Margie, made Mary’s corsage and our fabulous kitchen crew made the wedding cake.”