Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

Hugh and Lyn Downie - Contributed

western bureau

They grew up together and were in the same class in elementary school, therefore, it its no surprise that Lyn Bright and Hugh Downie are best friends and soulmates.

The two were born and raised in Sandy Bay, Montpelier in Hanover and attended the Sandy Bay Elementary School. Even after leaving school and going separate ways, they were still able to find their way to each other. The two celebrated their 50th anniversary on October 27.

"To me she was a lot more attractive that the other girls and she was a very quiet person," Mr. Downie explained. "We got along so well that as the days went by I grew to love her."

According to Mrs. Downie, "He went to trade school and I went to further my education but we met again after that."

She recalls that Mr. Downie and a group of his friends would wait for her and her friends after school and they would all walk home together. It was on one of these walks in 1959 that he proposed to her.

However, at just age 18 her mother who would have to give permission for them to wed, was not too enthused at the thought of her daughter getting married so soon. Her mother eventually signed the papers, as she too was able to see that they loved each other immensely.

"We got married at the Fletcher's Grove Baptist Church in Sandy Bay in October, and it did not rain, even some of my relatives were saying that it was rainy month," Mrs. Downie said.

Their union produced two sons and two daughters; nine grand children and three great-greatgrand children.

Mr. Downie's advice to persons who want to have a long and happy relation like the one he shares with his wife is, 'love and relationships are a give and take situation; instead of both persons arguing one needs to listen while the other one speaks and vice versa.'

He added, "Whenever we get into any argument we don't shout at each other. When one gets upset the other one keeps silent and if we realise that the argument can get out of had one should say sorry even if they are not the one who is wrong."

Mrs. Downie, a 68-year-old retired nurse and Mr. Downie, a 73-year-old mason and 'jack of all trades' are Christians and members of the Bogue Hill Baptist Church in St. James

They enjoy playing board games such as connect four and dominos together.