Dolores and Russell Rolfe have been married for more now 60 years now.

They celebrated their 60th anniversary on Christmas Eve last year at the Wingara Social Club in Gosford with their daughter Wendy and granddaughter Ashley. 

Though each year has been a validation of the moment the two locked eyes at Baxter’s Café in Inverell all those years ago, the six decades of love and shouldering loss, coming out the other side even more resilient with each other was surely even sweeter.

For their anniversary they received a cavalcade of wishes from the Queen, Prime Minister and every dignitary on down. 

Russell is part of the local Rolfe family. His uncle was Samuel Rolfe, the ANZAC soldier and famous Man in the Bath. 

Russell was one of four children to Victor Rolfe. His mother Thelma May passed away when he was eight from double pneumonia, and Russell said life was not easy on the farm. 

At age 10, Russell was in Inverell hospital with a broken leg when a bright-eyed eight-year-old sat on his bed. 

She was the sister of Dudley Sharp, a young boy across the aisle who was having his tonsils out. 

The girl was Tooty Sharpe, or Dolores, daughter of Elsie and Duncan Sharpe. The two would not meet again until that day when Tooty, at 17 was employed at Baxter’s.

“It was love at first bite,” Tooty quipped. 

Russell presented her with a small, heart shaped diamond ring be purchased for £16 from SJ Parmenter. 

They were engaged for a year before they tied the knot on December 24, 1954 by Reverend Hardy at the Taylor Memorial Church, Inverell.

They had two children, Wendy and Garry. In their early years of marriage, Russell worked in soil conservation and two managed properties around the region. 

One dire day was memorable when after an overnight fishing trip to Tamworth, they returned to their cottage on a Walcha property to find it in flames from a faulty refrigerator. They lost everything and rebuilt their lives.

Russell spent his final 14 years of work with Mayne Nickless security transport. 

“I used to work 17 hours a night, and drive 760ks a night. I had the keys to the banks, the building societies, everywhere where I went, I had a key to get freight,” he said. 

Tooty devoted herself to looking after Russell and the children and her love of the garden. 

She has several sashes won for her displays, garden and trees.

They weathered the devastating loss of their son Garry far too young that still shakes the couple. 

They also endured a frightening moment when Tooty had a malignant mole removed. They gave her two weeks. That was nearly 23 years ago.

Their daughter Wendy lives in Gosford, and has given the Rolfes two cherished granddaughters, Ashley and Cailin of whom they are very proud. 

Russell and Tooty believe their attraction might be down to their opposite personalities. 

A person might judge him to be a strong and confident man, and Tooty a soft and emotive woman, though it is clear they share those qualities. 

“We’ve had a good life, and she’s made a good partner,” Russell said, affectionately assessing his wife, who was quick to take his hand in hers.