Longtime Local Couple Celebrates 60 Years of Marriage

Bob and Sharron Aasland marked their 60th wedding anniversary, surrounded by family, friends, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

The couple's story began through mutual friends. Sharron ventured on a double-date with her friend Irene and Irene's boyfriend, Don, who happened to be friends with Bob. An easy friendship soon grew into something more. The pair dated for six years, becoming engaged at just 18 years old before Sharron headed off to university. Through those years apart during the week, Bob remained devoted, making the trip to the city on weekends and faithfully driving Sharron home each Sunday evening.

Over the past six decades, Bob and Sharron have built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. Farming was very much a family affair, from picking rocks in the fields to caring for livestock and tending the land together. Through every project, large or small, they learned the importance of consulting one another and working as a team. Even today, Sharron jokes that Bob remains her trusted critic when trying on new clothes, while she offers her own advice in return.

The Aaslands vividly remember the early years of marriage. They purchased their acreage for just $2,500, with help from Grandpa Hansen, who stepped in to assist them with a loan. Looking back, they say their greatest wealth was never measured in dollars.

"Our riches are in our friends, family, and contentment," Sharron reflected.

Together they raised one daughter, Tammy, gained a son-in-law along the way, and are now proud grandparents to two granddaughters and great-grandparents to three great-grandsons. Their home has long been a gathering place for family celebrations, including Tammy & Shannon’s wedding, Christmas Eve gatherings, reunions, and countless summer days spent around the fishpond, a project that became a passion for them both.

Throughout the years, the couple enjoyed many of the same interests. They spent summers gardening, picking berries, improving their property, and caring for pets and livestock, including horses, cattle, buffalo, sheep, and a succession of beloved dogs. Bob still chuckles when recalling one memorable evening during their courtship when he collected three speeding tickets on the way to the drive-in theatre. Sharron laughs when remembering a fieldwork mishap that saw her accidentally drive through a fence after trying to avoid turning too sharply while raking hay.

The couple has witnessed tremendous changes over six decades. Bob points to rising land prices, inflation, and changing attitudes toward work and community. Both note that neighbours once gathered without hesitation to help one another through illness, harvests, or difficult times.

"If a neighbour got sick, everyone showed up with a tractor and helped out," Bob recalled. "Today, you'd probably get a bill for that."

Despite the changes, Bob continues to lend a hand by helping neighbours with winter snow clearing around the hamlet of Cherhill. Both Bob and Sharron say they miss the days when people regularly stopped by to visit, and communities felt more connected.

Through hard work, perseverance, and a shared commitment to family, the Aaslands have built not only a successful life together but also a legacy. From developing their property, restoring farmland, and building a cabin with lumber milled by Sharron's brother, to watching their family grow through the generations, their story is one of dedication, partnership, and enduring love.

"Sixty years of marriage is a truly remarkable accomplishment," said Division 4 Councillor Ed Gifford. "Bob and Sharron's commitment to one another, their family, and their community is inspiring. On behalf of Council, we congratulate them on this special milestone and wish them many more happy years together."

Lac Ste. Anne County extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bob and Sharron Aasland on 60 wonderful years of marriage; and wishes them continued health, happiness, and many more treasured moments with family and friends in the years ahead.

If you’d like to have the County commemorate a special milestone, please refer to Policy 01-016 — Gifts for Special Occasions below, and contact the County Administration Office or your local County Councillor to make your request.

• Policy 01-016 — Gifts for Special Occasions