Maurice Rainville looks lovingly at Irene, his wife of 61 years, during their anniversary celebration at Elgin Lodge April 21.

Hub Staff

Sixty-one years of lasting love was celebrated at Elgin Lodge on April 21 as Irene and Maurice “Mo” Rainville invited residents to take part in their anniversary celebration. The outdoorsy pair recently moved to Saugeen Shores from Deep River to be closer to their family.

Activities Director for Elgin Lodge Denise Smith said the Rainvilles were the first couple to invite the entire Lodge to their celebration, which took place during the monthly pub party. “They thought this is their family and they wanted their family invited,” said Smith, who went on to say that the Rainvilles love nature, enjoyed skiing, taking walks and were crowned square dancing champions.

Music duo Ron and Brenda Siddon, accompanied by Lodge resident Doug Sutherland on the fiddle, got the square dancing champions dancing while staff members decorated the space in an outdoor theme. “It’s fun to celebrate their dancing and their love of nature,” said Smith.

The Rainvilles were married in 1956 in Bonville, they had two children, three grandchildren and now have four great-grandchildren, all under the age of 6, who call Saugeen Shores home.

“That’s why we’re here and we really like it in the Lodge,” said Irene in between dances. She said the secret to having a happy, lasting marriage is “enjoying the same things.”

“We did lots of skiing with our children, we did volunteer drives for Family Services when we were young. I was a Brown Owl for six years... we just got involved with kids,” she said, while also recalling running a ski racing program together with her husband.

Maurice joked that the secret to a lasting marriage was “doing what you’re told” while sincerely saying, “you have to respect each other.”

Irene and Maurice Rainville celebrated 61 years of marriage on April 21 at Elgin Lodge.

Irene and Maurice Rainville with their son Gerry (centre) and other family members during their anniversary celebration.

Brenda and Ron Siddon, accompanied by Doug Sutherland on the fiddle, entertained the crowd at Elgin Lodge and got the happy couple dancing.