Ponoka resident Doris Nielsen’s late husband, Clifford, always made sure that his wife knew that she was loved.
That is reflected in examples of intricately-designed chocolate boxes that Doris has collected over the years, and which she also displayed on Valentine’s Day at Golden Leisure Lodge, where she resides.
“This would be the first one,” she said, holding up one of the boxes which was dated ‘1963’ on the back. “Aren’t they beautiful? I’ve dated each one.
“1963 would be about the year that I met him,” she explained, adding that the couple eventually married in 1966.
Clifford passed away in 1996.
“He would remember all kinds of things like Valentine’s Day,” she said.
“He was also very good with giving gifts to me all the time — any occasion.”
Clifford was born and raised on a farm near Ponoka, and the couple spent about three decades living in Terrace, B.C.
They also lived for two years in Nigeria.
“He was a college instructor, and he was teaching school over there,” said Doris.
Ultimately, they headed back to Ponoka in the early 1990s.
Kristie Stretch, the lodge’s activities coordinator, said putting the lovely boxes on display was a perfect way to make Valentine’s Day that much more special for the residents.
“It brightens the day for everybody because a lot of people do remember these boxes, too.”
