They met at the Owl Garage in Hoosick Falls when Si started working there with Vivian’s brother Elmer. “They said it would never last,” Vivian said, “because we were both on the rebound, but here we are 60 years later!”
Si and Vivian Close of Stephentown celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday, February 5, at the Vermont Veteran’s Home in Bennington, VT, where Si is currently in rehab after leg surgery.
The evening’s celebration included a home cooked meal provided by their daughter Jean, a cake from family friend Bonnie Cummings-Laubach, balloons from Si’s roommate Bob Thompson and roses from Vivian’s niece and her husband, Linda and Jim Billert, – everything needed for an anniversary celebration!
After the meal the couple was presented with a basket full of cards and emails. Jean had sent out a “Card-a-versary” notice to friends and family. The result was a basket full of letters, greeting cards, note cards, postcards and emails. At last count over 105 greetings were received, many containing notes of past memories and all with well wishes for the couple.
Si and Vivian were unable to look at all the cards that night due to a surprise phone call from their son John who is presently stationed in Djibouti, North East Africa, as a Chaplain with the US Navy Reserve.
On Saturday at the Vet’s home the couple was able to finish reading all the cards. “It was a wonderful surprise,” said Si. “All I could say when I saw the basket full of cards was WOW!”
The family wishes to thank everyone for making this a wonderful event for Si and Vivian.