Scarborough couple celebrates 65 years of marriage
Couple met while working at Simpson's department store
It all started in about 1940 when he worked as a stock boy at the Simpson's department store at Queen and Yonge streets.
Jim Russell was a handsome lad on a layover from the air force with a fancy for a lovely young lady named Dorothy, who also worked at the department store as an elevator operator.
"I used to drive her nuts going up and down the elevator. I chased her until she said she'd go out with me," chuckled Jim.
"Well, I guess I must have taken a liking to him," Dorothy smiled.
The couple began dating and two years later were married at St. Aidan's Anglican Church in the Beach on July 4, 1942.
Three children, two grandchildren (Jim and Dorothy) and four great-grandchildren (Heather, Robin, Caitlin and Devon) later, the Scarborough couple marked 65 years of marriage last Wednesday.
"We're a bunch of antiques now," said Dorothy, who like her husband Jim, still can't believe six and a half decades have passed.
"Time flies by and before you know it, it's 65 years later. It's a long time," said Jim, who still golfs three times a week.
Always respectful of each other, Jim said he and Dorothy have had a good life together, 50-plus years of which has been spent in Scarborough.
"We fell in love and we've always been in love. I don't think we've ever had a big argument and we always apologized if we had any arguments," he said.
"So far!" Dorothy joked.
Shortly after getting married, The Russells relocated from east Toronto to Trenton where Jim was sent to work as an air frame mechanic. The couple's first son, Jimmy, was born there in 1944.
After a few years in Trenton, the young family returned to the big city and grew by two more children, Victor in 1950 and Nancy five years later.
Jim said that Dorothy is special because she's always been supportive and has taken care of the family.
"I think we get on pretty good together," Dorothy said.
"We're just happy together, that's all," Jim added.
In honour of their 65th anniversary, family members and friends gathered at the couple's West Hill home for a barbecue party on Sunday, July 1.
For their actual wedding anniversary on July 4, Jim and Dorothy enjoyed quiet dinner at the Cedar Brea Golf and Country Club.
