Luck may have been the case when Mr Courtney (87) first saw Mrs Courtney (83), then Hazel Henderson, working behind the counter in an Invercargill cake shop. He was filling in as a window cleaner and was working on the shop's windows.
That led to about a three-year courtship, marriage, five children, 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren - and their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday.
Mr Courtney described the courting as parties, town hall dances and the pictures - "walking home in romantic moonlight".
Despite moving around the southern South Island before eventually retiring to Waimate about 20 years ago, it was more than just plain luck that led to a successful and long-lasting marriage.
The two have a close bond and, even though Mr Courtney did most of the talking during an interview with the Otago Daily Times, Mrs Courtney was quick to step in if something was not quite right.
While yesterday was the anniversary date - they were married in the North Baptist Church in Invercargill on January 24, 1952, when he was 27 and she was 23 - they are planning a low-key "reception" for family and friends on Saturday.
One regret is that Mrs Courtney's sole bridesmaid, Melva King, will not be there. Despite advertising in Invercargill newspapers, they have not been able to find her.
Mrs Courtney was born and raised in Invercargill, and Mr Courtney in Arrowtown before he went to the city.
Mrs Courtney worked as a postie in Invercargill after they were married until her first child was born, Mr Courtney joined the Invercargill City Council in its roading department.
The rest of his working life was spent in that or similar jobs, with the Southland County Council, Ministry of Works and the Morven-Glenavy irrigation scheme and in places such as Waikaia, Omarama, Temuka and back to Invercargill.
When they retired, they wanted to live in the Waitaki Valley but could not find a suitable house.
Mrs Courtney suggested Waimate, and in 1989 they bought the house in Smith St they still live in today.
Both agree it was a good choice.
"It's the friendliest place I've lived in. We hadn't been here a week and people were meeting and greeting us in the street," he said.
