No doubt, they have one of the longest marriages in Canada.
Bertie and Bill Nickerson of Liverpool were married 80 years December 2, 1935.
Bill was 18 and Bertie 15 years old, when they met.
Bill Nickerson said he knew the second he saw Bertie he wanted to marry her. But her father said she was too young.
“I talked to her father and I said, look, can I come up and see this lady because I think she’s beautiful. And he said, she’s only 15 years old, You can come up Friday nights because she’s only in grade eleven.”
“Every Friday night, I walked from Liverpool, my mother’s and father’s home, up to Milton. I went to the house and I went in and sat down with the family and talked,” said Nickerson.
“At 10 o’clock her father said I had to leave and walk back to Liverpool,” added Nickerson. “I did that for three straight years.”
When Bertie was finally old enough to get her father’s blessing, the two were married.
At 101 years of age, Bill remembers that day like it was yesterday.
“She came down the stairs and I cried. To think I was going to have her as my wife,” said Nickerson.
Nickerson said he wouldn’t change a thing about his life. He professes to be in as much love as he was the first time he laid eyes on his bride who is now 98 years old.
“I love her every day. We have slept together in the same bed for 80 years. I wouldn’t live my life any other way.”
The Nickersons still live together in their home in Liverpool.
When asked about the secret to their long, happy marriage, Bill has this advice for those contemplating a life together in matrimonial bliss, “Love your wife. Love her every day.”
Photo credit: Tim McDonald
