Diamond Couple celebrate

AT 82, Eric Sorenson still reckons the best day of his life was the day he married his sweetheart in 1938 - and 60 years later, Rachel, 86, remains the love of his life.

The Sorensons, who moved to Palmwoods 33 years ago, celebrated their diamond anniversary last month. They have five children, three of them living in Palmwoods, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The couple first met at Buderim primary school and were married at Nambour on February 12, 1938.

Sixty years later, they can say that they have never had a row, but only a few minor differences of opinion. Their tip for a strong and happy marriage is loving and caring for each other unconditionally.

The couple has also thrived on a life of hard work. Rachel hand-milked cows and chipped cane before she and Eric established a small crops farm at Buderim.

Eric still milks two or three cows every day, and hand-feeds the calves on his son Milton’s jersey stud in Palmwoods.

Their son Elvin and his wife Beverley have recently moved back to Palmwoods after dairy farming at Kenilworth for 10 years and living in Montville for 11 years. Daughter Karen and her husband Errol Vieritz and family made Palmwoods their home 24 years ago.