Burnbrae Gardens celebrates couple's 65 years together

Denny and Geraldine Lain are like family

June 28, 2012 -- Lisa Bailey

Wanting as much time as possible to celebrate his love for Geraldine Simpson, Densmere (Denny) Lain chose June 21 for their wedding date.

That love has endured for 65 years and on Sunday, June 24, the couple marked their wedding anniversary at Burnbrae Gardens.

The Campbellford long-term care home celebrated right along with the Lains, assisting with the planning and setup of a busy, come-and-go reception, but also giving the couple a corsage and boutonniere to wear, as well as an anniversary balloon bouquet and a flower arrangement.

“We wanted to show how happy we are for them,” life enrichment aide Erin Reid says, expressing delight at how Denny enjoyed the party.

“Just to see the smile on Denny’s face was amazing,” she says.

He has lived at Burnbrae Gardens for eight years “so we all treat him like he is family because we all know him so well,” Reid says.

When the family asked to hold a get-together at the home, staff members were happy to help make it happen.

“There’s a sense of community,” Reid says. “You get to know everyone; it’s like family, so you want to celebrate their accomplishments, too. And show them that we care about them and their lives.”

Life enrichment co-ordinator April Faux shared the story of the Lains’ wedding date, as told to her by Denny. She’s seen the couple holding hands and sitting together during Geraldine’s visits, which happen as often as possible.

“Reaching that milestone of 65 years is a big thing, especially with today’s generation, so it’s something to show,” Faux says.

She adds that occasions like the Lains’ anniversary are also striking for residents because it sparks their own memories.

A number of residents were among the approximately 80 guests at the Lains’ reception. Everyone coming to the large dining room was greeted by the couple and got to see Geraldine’s actual wedding dress and bouquet, as well as photos of the wedding and past anniversary celebrations.

“We’re so thankful we could have it here,” Geraldine says of the get-together. She and her son, Craig, say it was wonderful to have so many family members together. They hadn’t seen some of their relatives in a number of years.

Many friends and neighbours also stopped in to congratulate the Lains, who are lifelong Campbellford-area residents.

Geraldine says she and Denny first met in public school then later dated. She was 21 and he was 23 when they married at the United Church where they were active members.

Faith and family were their main focus, says Craig, who is the youngest of the Lains’ three sons. Denny farmed then worked at Canadian Tire and the chocolate factory in Campbellford.

Geraldine can’t say for sure what the secret is to a long marriage. She just knows that she and Denny “always seemed to get along well.”

She suggests that it is important to try to reason things out and not quarrel too much.

“Trying to get along is the main thing. You have to give and take a lot,” Geraldine says.

If you have a story to share or feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.








Back to News