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| Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet Well known throughout the region and beyond, Don and Pat Collins were presented a legislative sentiment in honor of their 65th wedding anniversary by State Representative Carol McElwee, at right. Don and Pat were married on Feb. 28, 1948. |
By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — While Don and Pat Collins are well known throughout Aroostook County and beyond for their dedicated commitment to public service, they were recently honored for a different kind of achievement.
On April 7, State Representative Carol McElwee (R-Caribou) presented the couple with a legislative sentiment celebrating the Collins’ 65th wedding anniversary.
The couple exchanged their marital vows on Feb. 28, 1948 in Orono and 65 years later, they’re still finishing each other’s sentences — like when they were asked “After 65 years, what’s your secret to a successful marriage?”
“If you value a marriage as a commitment, you stay together,” Pat said.
“Of course we had six children …” Don added,
“… we didn’t have time to not get along!” Pat concluded.
The couple first met at the University of Maine; Pat was a pre-med student with Don’s brother, Doug, and Doug introduced the couple soon after Don returned from World War II in 1946.
Shortly after the introduction, Don and Pat began dating.
He said it was love at first sight.
“Well yeah,” Pat said. “He was very hadsome, and so was his brother, but Don could dance!” she joked as Don laughed. “That made a big difference!”
Aside from enjoying each other’s company, the two like to spend time at their camp on Madawaska Lake. While they don’t do as much cross country skiing as they used to, they are still a very active couple that enjoys swimming, going for walks and exercising together.
“And watching the Red Sox, of course,” Pat added.
Rep. McElwee hosted a small gathering for the Collins’ family on Sunday afternoon.
