JOYCE Tatnell says it was Kevin’s khaki uniform that caught her eye at the Lebrina dance more than six decades ago, but Mr Tatnell’s reason for approaching his future wife was slightly less subtle.
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‘‘Well, I wanted her,’’ Mr Tatnell said.
The couple celebrated 65 years of marriage with five generations of their family at their Ravenswood home on Tuesday.
Mrs Tatnell said they courted for about a year before marrying in Mr Tatnell’s grandmother’s kitchen in Launceston.
The pair went on to have eight children – four boys and four girls – and live in various homes throughout the state.
‘‘We had lots of different homes – some real old shanties,’’ Mrs Tatnell said.
‘‘The children were easier than what the kids are today. You could actually raise them then.’’
Mrs Tatnell said there were no secrets to maintaining a 65-year marriage.
‘‘You’ve got to work at it and give the fellas a touch up now and then,’’ she said.
‘‘We’ve had a great life,’’ Mr Tatnell said.
Mr Tatnell, 84, and Mrs Tatnell, 82, boast 26 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and five great-great- grandchildren.
