Work, family and friendships have been the three most important things for Murlyn and Garth McCombe, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last week.

Garth Lindsay McCombe was born in 1938 and his future wife Murlyn Ann Halkett was born a year later.

Both hail from Dunedin and met when Murlyn was just 14 and Garth was 15.

He was in the sea scouts and she thought he was a 'real sailor'. It was love at first sight.

Murlyn and Garth on their wedding day in 1961. Photo: supplied

They were married at St Joseph's Cathedral in Dunedin in 1961. Soon their daughter, Therese and son, Tim were born. They bought their first house in Abbotsford, Dunedin and lived there until they moved to Te Anau in 2001.

Murlyn worked for Kempthorne Prosser for 13 years as a typist and an office hand. When the children were born, she looked after the family and once they went to school, she worked in different fabric stores in Dunedin. 

After a 2-year apprenticeship as an electrician, Garth had a stint at the Navy, then worked at Blackhead Quarries doing machinery maintenance, but after accidentally crushing his foot, he went to Dunedin Polytechnic to learn welding and metalwork.

He then spent a year in Deep Cove, Fiordland crushing rocks to make concrete for the tunnel, and staying on the ship the Wanganella.

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Having tried his hand at different jobs, he joined Fulton Hogan where he enjoyed 32 years of employment, working his way through the ranks to become a regional plant engineer for the Dunedin region.

When it comes to leisure, Murlyn and Garth were keen rock and roll dancers. The last time they danced together was two years ago, at Murlyn’s 80th birthday. 

However, rugby and yachting were their two biggest passions. They were very involved with the Green Island Rugby Club and the Otago Yacht Club. Through New Zealand Yachting they received the award for services to yachting in New Zealand. 

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They had a caravan, which they used a lot.

“We had a lot of holidays with our children, traveling with our caravan, meeting many people. Some of them we’re still friends with,” Murlyn said.

Daughter, Therese says that “Mum and Dad were and are extremely community minded and have always been involved in committees and fundraising. In Te Anau they have been involved with the Marakura Yacht Club, Fiordland Vintage Machinery Club and are members of the RSA”.

Murlyn and Garth at home in their Te Anau garden. Photo: Alina Suchanski 

Murlyn and Garth have 6 grandchildren. According to Therese they have had huge involvement with their grandchildren's lives. 

“As parents and grandparents they are the most loving and supportive people in our lives. We admire their dedication to their family, their generosity and honesty. Their generosity goes well beyond their family as well,” she says.

Murlyn and Garth’s advice to for a lasting and happy relationship is to be tolerant of each other, work together and play together.