
It was a kiss on the first tee near the Narromine Golf Clubhouse, which was the beginning of over seven decades of love between Trangie's Pat and Les McKinnon.
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The long-time Narromine Shire residents celebrate 71 years of marriage on Thursday, April 25.
The couple first met in Narromine at a 21st birthday party at the Golf Club, and Pat, 91 said Les, 97 had her on the green before she could turn around, stealing a kiss from her.
"I don't remember that part," Les joked.
"It's a wonder no one spotted us."
The pair were married in 1948, Les started his career in the printing office in Narromine before joining the services for three and a half years, while Pat took up a role at the Bank of NSW, now known as Westpac during the war.
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After five years of marriage, the couple saved enough money to buy a small property 'Tarawera' in Trangie, now owned by their eldest son.
Together Les and Pat have three kids Don, Brian and Scott, who they say are the heart and soul of their marriage.
While Pat and Les don't always agree on everything, they do agree the secret to a long marriage is a bigger bed, patience and compromise.
"I think you've got to be 50/50 and make sure that you care for one another," Les said.
However Pat disagreed. She said compromise was normal.
"Well that's not normal these days, you see we do argue, it keeps me alive," Les joked.
The adoring couple know how to make a marriage work and had some wise advice for young lovebirds.
"Hang in there, [people] give up too easy. If things don't go right, they part, but that's when you should stay together," Pat said.
"I think you've got to compromise," Les added.
"But you've got to hang in there ... you've got to be in love too."





