The Fort Good Hope community is wishing Gabriel (Gabe) and Sarah Kochon congratulations as they celebrate 70 years of marriage.
The couple renewed their vows in North Slavey at the Church of Our Lady of Good Hope with members of the community in attendance.
“It was a beautiful mass,” says daughter Rose McNeely.
Gabe, originally from Colville Lake, is now 91-years-old, but looks no older than 70, McNeely says.
“He never really aged, he still drives around his four wheeler, he’s really active around the community,” she says.
His nickname in the community is the “professor” because of his wisdom.
“He’s a really good story teller too,” McNeely adds.
Sarah and Gabe were married in Fort Good Hope in 1950 and 70 years later the couple still enjoys living off the land.
This past spring they even went on a camping trip with some family members.
Daughter and CKLB host Judi Kochon, says she admires her parents love of the outdoors. She says her father has incredible skills including how to predict the weather as well as well as trapping and hunting.
He also provided her with one of her favorite quotes.
“When you’re old enough, you’re not shy anymore,” Kochon says with a laugh.
The community gathered on Wednesday evening to celebrate the milestone with the couple.
Sarah and Gabe thank everyone for their well wishes on the special day.
