Frank and Kath McGrath.
Camera IconFrank and Kath McGrath. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson www.communitypix.com.au d477003

Dudley Park couple credits tolerance and working issues out before bed for 65-year marriage

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

THIS week was a double celebration for Frank and Kath McGrath.

Frank celebrated his 88th birthday and the couple also celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Frank and Kath met at a dance in Albany on New Year’s Eve 1950.

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“I missed the first four dances but after that we danced the night away,’’ Frank said.

“It was love at first sight and I made sure I hung on to her.

“I never let her go.”

The two, who now live at Brightwater in Dudley Park, were married at St Andrews Church, Subiaco in 1952.

Frank, a carpenter, built them a home at Alfred Cove and made and laid all the bricks himself.

Later, he went into local government and was building surveyor and planner at the City of Nedlands for a “very happy” 24 years.

Kath was a specialist dressmaker and coat cutter.

In earlier years, Frank was into football, cricket and yachting and the YMCA as his boys grew up.

Kath is a life member of Bouvard Quilters.

Their recipe for a happy marriage?

Tolerance and never going to bed angry.

“Marriage does not come easy and you have to work at it,’’ Frank said.

“I would not swap Kath for quids.’’

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