A love story: 70 years and counting

Credit Aldergrove Star

Ronald and Marilyn Peterson marked 70 years of marriage this past Sunday in Aldergrove, celebrating a milestone that began on March 29, 1956, in Calgary, Alta. 

Since then, their union has grown into a large family spanning seven children, 19 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren – with another great-grandchild on the way. 

Now Ronald, 90, and Marilyn, 92, spent their anniversary surrounded by family at Bellevue Senior Park Living, where family and friends gathered to reflect on their seven decades together.

The celebration itself was filled with personal touches, including tables decorated with yellow roses—the same flowers used at their wedding—and a photo slideshow highlighting the couple’s years together. 

“We were just in love, still are,” Ronald said. “I knew, she knew, she was for me.” 

The happy couple met as young adults through a church youth group. There was no dramatic courtship story they could point to, just time spent in the same circles and a relationship that formed quickly. 

Ronald worked in construction while Marilyn managed the demands of raising a large family. 

Together, they navigated long work hours, financial pressures, and the responsibilities of a growing household.

Ronald and Marilyn Peterson on their wedding day in Calgary, Alta., March 29, 1956.

“It’s not easy, no,” Marilyn said, reflecting on those years. “Especially when you have seven children.”

Still, both said their home life became a source of stability rather than strain.

“They all get along together,” Marilyn said of their children. “They care for each other.”

Daughter Sandi Peterson said celebrating the milestone felt important because it was a real legacy for the family. She said she admired her parents’ ability to adapt through the years.

“They have always been each other’s best friend.”

Their son Rod Peterson said his parents’ relationship was always defined by commitment through the good times and bad.

“It’s a real gift in this world or generation to have parents who have been together for that long.”

Andrew Peterson described his grandparents as open and kind, a couple who naturally draws others into their community. Andrew, who has been married for two years, admired his grandparents’ loyalty to one another.

When asked what has carried them through seven decades, Marilyn pointed to consistency.

“Looking after each other and caring for each other,” she said.

Ronald, when asked about his wife, kept his answer simple. “She’s everything I could ask for,” he said.

Marilyn, in turn, described Ronald as steady and devoted. “He’s faithful and he has cared for us for 70 years,” she said.

The couple also received an honourary letters from King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Canada Covenant Church, and the Governor General of Canada Mary Simon recognizing their anniversary.

During the celebration, two of their grandchildren, Andrew and Kristen, performed their wedding song “O Perfect Love.” One of Ronald and Marilyn’s most lasting wedding memories is hearing Ronald’s father sing that same song on their wedding day.

The real surprise for everyone came when Ronald presented Marilyn with a diamond ring to replace the one she had lost.

After he slipped the ring onto her finger, the couple shared a brief kiss, drawing cheers from family and friends.

For newly married couples, Marilyn offered advice without hesitation: “Enjoy the good times for sure. Love each other,” she said.

Ronald advised, “Stick it out in the rough times.”

The Peterson family expressed their gratitude to Bellevue Senior Park Living for hosting the celebration.