Wally and Elva Motz of Point Clark celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

By: Liz Dadson September 20, 2015 1458

Wally and Elva Motz of Point Clark celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

Wally and Elva Motz of Point Clark met in Lynne's Restaurant in Kitchener in September, 1954. A year later, they were married, and Saturday, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

"I drove a motorcycle at the time," says Wally, "and my buddies and I would often hang out at that restaurant. A lot of girls came in there to check out the bikers."

He and Elva started dating and went out to a lot of shows. On Valentine's Day, 1955, they became engaged, and Sept. 17, 1955, they were married by Rev. Eric Reble, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bridgeport, near Kitchener.

Wally and Elva lived in Kitchener where he worked at Uniroyal for 37 years, two months and 10 days; and she worked as a cashier at several different stores, including Burns Meats, American News, and Dutch Boy.

They have three daughters: Pat and her husband, Fred Kreller, of Point Clark; Debbie Briggs and her partner, Chris Conner, also of Point Clark, and Bonnie Shaw of Waterloo, who is moving to Point Clark next spring. They also have six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren (one great-grandchild died two years ago). Their 14th great-grandchild is expected next week. They also have a dog, "Patches."

In 1990, Wally and Elva moved to Point Clark.

An avid conservationist, he is a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, as well as the Lake Huron Fishing Club. He was president of the Bridgeport Rod and Gun Club for many years, and was a member of the Kincardine Nimrod Gun Club.

Elva enjoys playing cards. Together, they like travelling and shopping, and used to go to Florida a lot but not as much in the past few years. They are planning a trip to Bridgeport to celebrate their anniversary.

So, how do you stay married for 60 years?

"I just listen to Elva," says Wally who turned 80 years old this summer. "You don't dominate each other; you work things out."

How does it feel to be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary?

"It feels wonderful," says Elva, 77.

"We have another two years and one month to go, in order to beat my parents' record," says Wally. "They were married for 62 years."

And what advice do they have for young people who are just getting married?

"Stick it out," says Wally. "It's worth it."

Family and friends gathered at daughter Debbie's house in Point Clark, Saturday, to celebrate with Wally and Elva.