Celebrating a successful union

In 1956, it took Zachary Powder of Fort McKay more than four hours by dog team to get to Fort McMurray where he picked up a marriage license that cost him $2. Fifty years later, on Jan. 20, his daughters and grandchildren surprised Powder and his wife Mary by arranging a golden anniversary celebration, which included dinner, speeches, and a dance at the Dorothy McDonald Centre.

Zachary, who worked for forestry services in Alberta for more than 50 years, wore his forestry services uniform as he and his wife Mary, 66, renewed their wedding vows in front of more than 50 people.

During dinner, 78-year-old Zachary joked that he felt a lot younger after saying his wedding vows over again. "I feel like a newly-wed," he said.

Granddaughter Sophie Powder said she is lucky to have her grandparents still married to each other.

"They had a good time at the celebration. They deserve to be happy and just seeing their faces smiling and enjoying themselves was the main thing we wanted to see," she said.

Nephew Raymond Powder, who attended the celebration, said an event like this is rare in today's society. He recalled growing up and seeing his uncle and aunt respect and love each other.
"Even today I see the love they have for each other. It is still there," he said.

Zachary gave his wife credit for doing a good job raising their children while he was away from home for extended periods of time while employed with the forestry service.

"I'd be gone from home for six months at a time. I'd come back and she would still be there. She'd have things running smoothly. Trust is important. You have to trust the person you are married to, otherwise it will not work. I'm grateful that I married a woman who did not drink. She did a lot of work," he said.