Margaret and Ian Hamilton had some special guests at their wedding anniversary celebration this month.
Although they were not there in person, their presence was certainly felt.
The Hamiltons, who marked their 70th anniversary on March 13, received congratulatory cards from Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Governor-General Peter Cosgrove and the Queen.
They married at a Presbyterian church at Botany and settled at Kirrawee.
Mr Hamilton was chief engineer of the southern region of the Sydney County Council, and Mrs Hamilton was a home-maker and church volunteer.
They were both golfers and long-time members of Kareela Golf Club.
The couple travelled the world to more than 50 countries, and they have three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
They led very active lives, playing tennis and volunteering with their bushcare group.
Both were founding members of the second ski lodge built in Thredbo, spending many family holidays there.
Mrs Hamilton gave up the sport at age 75, and Mr Hamilton, at 85.
“We have a marvellous marriage,” Mr Hamilton says.
“A happy marriage is about looking after each other, and understanding that you will have to compromise sometimes,” Mrs Hamilton says.