Regina Couple Celebrates 70th Valentine's Day with Enduring Love Story
For Erwin and Neva Miller, Valentine's Day has transformed from a romantic occasion to a celebration of seven decades of shared life. The Regina residents, now 90 and 89 respectively, have spent 68 years of marriage building a love that transcends flowers and chocolates.
A Lifetime of Partnership
"In one way or another, I guess we were both involved in almost everything we did," reflects Neva Miller, sitting beside her husband at the All Seniors Care retirement home in Regina. Despite their different personalities—Erwin's gregarious nature contrasting with Neva's initial shyness—they have developed remarkable harmony through constant companionship.
The couple's practical approach to romance includes a simple daily ritual. "Kiss your wife every morning," advises Erwin, emphasizing the importance of consistent affection over grand gestures.
College Romance That Endured
Their story began in 1955 at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where both were far from home. Neva had traveled from her family farm near Abilene, Kansas, while Erwin came from a farm outside Wolseley, Saskatchewan.
"I thought I liked what he was doing and what he was playing," Neva recalls of first noticing Erwin entertaining students at the piano during college preparations. When Erwin asked her out to both a fraternity dance and a movie simultaneously, Neva experienced typical first-date nerves.
"What if he doesn't like me the first time, then he's going to have to take me out the second time," she remembers thinking about the dual invitation.
Memories That Matter Most
While specific details have faded over time—whether they were decorating for a dance or play production, which movie they saw on that first date—the essence of their connection remains vivid. The rest of that college year passed quickly as they attended events and visited cinemas together.
Their relationship foundation proved strong enough to survive the test of time, with both supporting each other through various endeavors in music and business over the decades.
Valentine's Day with Family Roots
The Millers acknowledge their own parents might have been more traditionally romantic. "My parents were married on Valentine's Day. They were maybe more romantic than we are," Neva says with a laugh.
After nearly seventy Valentine's Days together, the couple demonstrates that lasting love isn't about annual celebrations but daily commitment. Their story offers inspiration for relationships of any duration, proving that shared experiences and mutual support create bonds that deepen with time.
