Emma Pritchard

Michael and Fay Quinn (nee Palmer) proudly celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary on February 10 alongside their lifelong friends George and Joyce Smith at the Good Intent Hotel in South Grafton.

The couple met at a local skating rink formally located at the Grafton Showground when they were 18 and 16 respectively, and after forming an inseparable bond and sharing plenty of laughs together, they married at the Grafton Catholic Church and relocated to the Manning Valley township of Wingham for six months before moving to Sydney where they welcomed two daughters Suzette and Julie into their family.

After previously working for his father, a roof tiler, Mr Quinn worked across a variety of different roles and industries before commencing employment with Flick Pest Control and eventually establishing his own business, Quinn’s Pest Control.

An experienced retail worker, Mrs Quinn quickly settled into the role of Secretary for the family business, which the couple ran together.

They later purchased a caravan and enjoyed several journeys across Australia before settling back in the Clarence Valley.

Along with their two daughters, the Quinns also have 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

When asked what the secret to a long and happy marriage is, Mrs Quinn told the Clarence Valley Independent she and her husband always work through the hard times and enjoy the good times together.

“It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but we never give up in any situation,” she revealed.

“We always work it out.”

Mrs Quinn said it was wonderful for her and her husband to celebrate their 63rd Wedding Anniversary with their lifelong friends the Smiths, who were also part of their wedding party.