Kevin and Kathleen King are residents at our beautiful home here at Coorparoo. This Valentine’s Day, they share with us their special love story from the time they met to where they are now.
How long have you been together and how did you meet?
Kathleen: We will celebrate 71 years of marriage this March and met seven months before we got married.
We met at an old-time dance at the Blind Institute in South Brisbane. Kevin was down from Maryborough staying with his two cousins who I already knew. Kevin’s cousins took him to this dance and that’s where we were introduced. My first thought was, ‘gee, he’s cute’ even though all the girls I was with were chasing after the two cousins. I had no interest in the cousins, and Kevin and I have been together since that day.
What is your most memorable moment together?
Kathleen: Having our six children together (five girls and one boy).
Kevin: Going to the Publican Ball in Rockhampton, where I had to man the pub, so I was late to pick up Kathleen after her ballet dancing. She was all dressed up by her friends in all her finery but when I didn’t arrive in time, she had already changed into her usual dress. We ended up having such a lovely time anyway.
Describe a tough time you’ve been through together.
Kathleen: We’ve been through many tough years together. Kevin worked 12-hour days for a furniture making company, Trittons, as an upholsterer. He would come home and together we would make garden settings, sewing and put them together at night. This was to support our family.
Kevin: Kathleen controlled the finances and handled all the money. She was the best family finance accountant. Even through all the tough years, we always made sure we had a holiday and gifts for our children.
What do you love most about each other?
Kevin: I love everything about Kathleen.
Kathleen: I love that Kevin was always a good husband who cared a lot for our children and myself.
What’s your secret to a long and happy marriage?
Kevin and Kathleen: Doing and sharing everything together.
