ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, February 10, 1997 TAG: 9702100140
SECTION: NATL/INTL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: SACRAMENTO, CALIF.
SOURCE: Associated Press
For George and Gaynel Couron, love at first sight has lasted nearly 81 years.
The couple, who celebrate their 81st anniversary April 10, have the nation's longest-lasting marriage, according to Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a group offering programs to improve communication between spouses.
``That was the girl for me. I've had her for 80 years, soon to be 81,'' said George Couron, who is 100. ``I got the woman I wanted.''
``I got the man I wanted,'' his 97-year-old wife added.
In 1916, George first saw his soon-to-be wife on the sidewalk after moving to Fort Dodge, Iowa. He brushed off attempts by his sisters to set him up on a blind date because he kept thinking about ``that girl on the sidewalk.''
When he finally did meet Gaynel, at a carnival, she turned out to be the one with whom his sisters had tried to match him. When they met again, he boldly said, ``I'm taking you home tonight'' and they were soon married.
Fourteen children, 43 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren and at least 30 great-great-grandchildren later, he is surprised as anyone at his long life and his marriage:
``I could say we behaved ourselves, but that just wouldn't go down very well with some people.''
The couple lived independently until a few months ago. Although they are in relatively good health, she suffered a mild stroke in December and one of their daughters stays at their home.
Nodding toward his hand, wrapped gently around his wife's, he said: ``We've loved each other and, as you can see, this has been for 80 years.''
LENGTH: Short : 39 linesby CNB