Coorparoo Aged Care

Bob and Lyn Reading first met at the Wharf Street ANZ branch where they both worked for a number of years. They later resigned from working in the bank, then owned and ran three news agencies over 25 years. ‘We worked long hours and hard but worked together’ they said. ‘We created a stable loving family and make a good team.’

Bob and Lyn are very family oriented and spoke very fondly of their family. When asked who the greatest loves of their lives were, Bob said his grandchildren, whilst Lyn said that Bob is the greatest love of her life. ‘Thanks to my wife, I have a lovely family,’ said Bob. The couple will celebrate their 57^th wedding anniversary in March 2023.

When asked how they shape who each other are today, they replied, ‘We have always had mutual ambitions, qualities and way of life. We communicate with, respect, and support each other. These have been the things that have built our marriage and family. We have a great family support network.’ Lyn and Bob have one son who lives in Brisbane with his family, and their other son lives in London with his family but will come out to Australia to visit them soon.

Bob and Lyn are both residents at Coorparoo. Lyn lives at The Village and Bob lives at Coorparoo Aged Care which allows them to spend lots of time together.

‘We have been lucky enough to have lots of nice trips and been able to travel. But the best thing we did was move to The Village at Coorparoo.’

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.