At Whitehorn Village by Origin, love is more than just a fleeting emotion—it is a foundation built over time, strengthened by patience, trust, and shared experiences. Many of our residents have spent decades growing together, facing life’s joys and challenges hand in hand. Their stories remind us that true love doesn’t fade; it deepens, evolves, and endures.
This Valentine’s Day, we honoured the incredible journeys of two couples whose love has stood the test of time. Their stories are a testament to the power of commitment, companionship, and the simple, everyday moments that make a lifetime of love so meaningful.
Dave & Vi: A Lifetime of Love and Laughter at Whitehorn Village
Dave and Vi’s love story began on the dance floor at a singles dance, where the Goodtimers were playing. Dave, spotting Vi, thought she’d make a wonderful dance partner—and he was right! That first step together led to a lifetime of love and adventure.
They tied the knot the day after Vi’s birthday in their beautiful backyard. Finding a reception venue during the 1988 Olympics proved to be a challenge, but they made it work, celebrating their special day with joy at the Holiday Inn.
Through the years, their relationship has been built on kindness, honesty, and unwavering support. Vi shares the key to their lasting love: “Being polite, not having secrets, and sharing our ups and downs together.” Dave agrees, noting that while they’ve had the occasional disagreement, they always “kiss and make up.”
Dancing has been a huge part of their journey. As members of the Highland Swingers, they traveled for square dancing, even making it to Vancouver. Beyond the dance floor, their adventures took them on cruises and to their favorite getaway in Yuma, Arizona.
For Vi, the happiest moment of all was exchanging wedding rings and knowing they were together forever. “We don’t even have to say it—we just know,” she says. And Dave couldn’t agree more.
Their love story is a testament to joy, partnership, and dancing through life hand in hand.
Marlene & Fred: A Love That Stood the Test of Time at Whitehorn Village
Marlene and Fred’s love story began in an unexpected way—at a party for the man Marlene was dating at the time! When her boyfriend announced he was moving out of town, she decided to strike up a conversation with Fred. The evening went well, and the next day, she invited Fred, along with her best friend and her boyfriend, over for dinner. She prepared a beautiful prime rib roast, but in a kitchen mishap, she unknowingly placed the beef and vegetables into a plastic bowl in the oven while making gravy. No one noticed, and the meal was a success—a humorous start to a lifelong partnership!
Fred was immediately drawn to Marlene, captivated by her charm and presence. “Like most 23-year-olds, I wondered how long it would take to make her mine,” he recalls. Just a few months later, they were engaged, and a year after that, they were married.
Their early days of courtship came with lighthearted challenges. Marlene’s father had strict rules, only allowing Fred to visit until 10 PM. One snowy evening, he enforced curfew by making Fred walk a mile home in a blizzard! Despite this, he admitted that Fred was his favorite of all Marlene’s boyfriends—a clear sign that their love was meant to be.
Marlene describes Fred as “the smartest man alive” and has always trusted him implicitly. “Fred is very patient, and I am not,” she laughs. Fred, on the other hand, believes that their secret to a happy marriage has been knowing when to “take it easy” and let go of the small things.
Their life together was built on mutual trust and teamwork. “We never had a time where things felt too hard,” Marlene says. “We didn’t argue or fight because I always believed Fred knew everything. We always worked together for our family.”
One of their most cherished memories was celebrating their 50th anniversary in Cuba with their entire family. Climbing the steps to the parliament buildings and exploring the square remains a highlight of their adventures together. But for Marlene, the best memories of all were the days their children were born. Fred smiles and agrees, “Yeah, I think you’re right.”
As they look back on their life together, Marlene sums it up beautifully: “I think we’ve had a pretty good life together now that we are talking about it.” Their advice to others? “You have to work together. No one is always right, and you have to compensate for that. If you fall in love, you don’t ever fall out of love if the marriage lasts.”
Even after all these years, the spark remains. Marlene recalls a recent moment at Whitehorn Village when the band played ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and Fred looked at her with that smile. “Well, holy hell!” she laughs.
Their love story is proof that with trust, patience, and a little humor, love can truly last a lifetime.
The Beauty of Love at Whitehorn Village
At Whitehorn Village, love is more than just a feeling—it’s a lifelong commitment, a journey filled with laughter, resilience, and deep companionship. The love stories of Dave & Vi and Marlene & Fred remind us that no matter where life takes us, love has a way of staying strong and growing even deeper.
This Valentine’s Day, we celebrated the couples who have built a life together, proving that true love is about understanding, partnership, and embracing each moment.
To Dave & Vi and Marlene & Fred—your stories inspire us all.
Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
