How Mrs Irving proposedThey went on movie dates “once or twice” and with war looming, and because it was a leap year, Mrs Irving proposed.
“I sent him this crazy card that said, ‘To my dear and most respected sir, I send you this for love to stir’.
“There was a bit in the middle I can’t remember but the end went like this — ‘lots of love and kisses from one who wants to be your Mrs’. He took the offer up and we have been together ever since.”
Life in GisborneWithin six months of their meeting, Mr Irving went to war. When he returned they were married in Auckland where Mrs Irving’s parents lived. They moved to Gisborne after their honeymoon.
“I was brought up to believe once you had a wife you had to have a house to take her to, so I bought this house and we have lived here ever since.”
His work life involved 42 years of clerical work with the post office while Betty worked in what was then called the Social Security department. They had three children — Sheryl, Michael and Jan. Mrs Iriving also worked at Elgin and Gisborne Intermediate schools.
A life highlight for Mr Irving was the day he finished his job as a clerk, he said.
“I always wanted to do farming and had to wait until my son Mike bought a patch of land when I was retired. I loved working out there.”
Square dancing a highlightMrs Irving was active in many sports, including tennis, bowls and golf. She was made a life member of Poverty Bay Netball Association after a long involvement with netball umpiring, coaching and administration.
Her highlight has been travelling all over the world doing square dancing together.
“We loved it.”
Apart from learning tolerance, Mrs Irving said the secret to a happy long marriage was to give each other space.
“Patience is important. Walter is a very patient man.”
