Legendary Bahamian Sir Durward Knowles, who won the country's first Olympic gold medal, will be celebrating 69 years of marriage this month with his wife Lady Holly Knowles.
According to Sir Durward, this was a match from the beginning and no doubt God's gift to him.
"Holly was a gift from God," said Sir Durward with excitement in his voice. "She knew that I was going to be her husband but I was too stubborn to make the first move, so she had to force my hand."
A young Durward Knowles lived on East Bay Street with his family. His father was a sea captain and needed to be near the sea. Holly and her parents moved in next door and Durward quickly became attracted to her. However, he was slow in making a decision despite their feelings toward each other. Only until Holly's parents were moving away from The Bahamas did she confront Durward to tell him that he would have to make a decision regarding her or lose her. He did, finally, and the rest is history.
Durward and Holly were married in February just before Valentine's Day 69 years ago. They have had a wonderful marriage producing three children - Jill, Randy and Charlotte. It was not easy in the beginning as Durward was a sea captain like his father and a competitive sailor, so he was away from home most of the time.
He credits their wonderful marriage to Holly, who raised the children when he was not there, but kept the family together through thick and thin.
When Sir Durward finally won the first gold medal for The Bahamas, he called Holly at three o'clock in the morning. Before he could say what happened, she already knew. When he asked her how she knew, she told him that he wouldn't be calling her at three o'clock in the morning if he didn't win.
Durward and Holly were a strong pair. He was always gone competing and working as a sea captain, while she was at home running the house and taking care of the children.
"I couldn't have done it without Holly, as she was a most supporting wife and a great mother to our children," said Sir Durward. "She is truly a gift from God and I am grateful that he chose me for her. I would like to take this time to tell her thanks for all the wonderful years of our marriage. She is truly a great woman."
Sir Durward Knowles has made a tremendous impact on The Bahamas, as he carried The Bahamas all around the world from 1947 when he won the world championships in Los Angeles, California. At that time, very few people knew of The Bahamas, but by the time Sir Durward won the Olympic gold medal in 1964, so many people wanted to come to The Bahamas that the government started the Ministry of Tourism shortly afterward. Perhaps it was coincidence or just that time, but it was done.
There is no question that Sir Durward Knowles, along with the help of his supporting wife, helped changed the course of an entire nation. It is only fitting that this time is taken to congratulate them and wish them all the best in the years to come.
Sir Durward Knowles and Lady Holly Knowles are celebrating this milestone along with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
May God continue to bless their marriage and their family.

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