By Janet Cruz

Everyone remembers the way they felt when they first fell in love or found the “one.” That feeling of something new and exciting feels almost perfect. After a few years, the real test is dealing with life’s challenges, milestones, events and changes that come along.

For some Lake Havasu City first generation Havasu Pioneer couples, they know too well and have stood by one another over the years. Today, they are celebrating their love on Valentine’s Day.

The Hamiltons

Floyd and Amy Hamilton have been married for 67 years. They met in middle school in a small town named Nepal in Illinois.

Floyd and Amy Hamilton pose for a photo at Rotary Park. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

After dating for a few years, they became engaged in their senior year of high school and got married in 1956. “We got married when Amy was in her first year of college,” Floyd Hamilton said.

Floyd and Amy Hamilton in their wedding portrait. Photo courtesy Floyd and Amy Hamilton

They purchased a lot  and built their home in Lake Havasu City and eventually moved in 1971. They have been residing in the same house they built ever since. Over the years, Floyd and Amy have learned how  to keep their bond strong.

“You must remember to do things with one another, tell each other everything and stop looking back on the past,” Amy Hamilton said.

Together they have two sons, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The Echelbergers

Roger and Sandra Echelberger met in 1955 in Cambridge a small town in Illinois. They met when Sandra and some friends were cruising around town in her friend’s car, and they ran into a group of guys. One particular fellow caught Sandra’s attention. That was Roger.

Sandra and Roger Echelberger pose for a photo at Rotary Park. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Sandra and Roger Echelberger on their wedding day. Photo courtesy Sandra and Roger Echelberger.

“I was with a group of girlfriends and he was with a group. I saw him on the street and he came over to our car,” said Sandra Echelberger. They later married and were one of many who flew in on one of Robert McCulloch’s planes and called Lake Havasu City home in 1971.

One thing that has kept them together is being kind. “We always did good things for each other and our  kids,” Roger Echelberger said. Together the Echelbergers have four children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The Echelbergers have been married for 65 years.

The Tathams

Richard and Grace Tatham have been together for 63 years. They first got married in the summer of 1960.  Before residing in Lake Havasu City, they left  Idaho in a trailer with their children and decided to move to Lake Havasu City in 1969 and build a church. You may find that the Tathams are very recognizable since Richard has been a minister at Stonebridge Christian Fellowship Church in Lake Havasu City for many years.

Grace and Richard Tatham. Photo courtesy The Tathams.

Richard and Grace Tatham on their wedding day. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Together the Tathams have six daughters, 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. One could find them devoting their time at Stonebridge Christian Fellowship Church on Jamaica Boulevard.

Riverscene Magazine would like to wish these couples and everyone a Happy Valentines Day!

Floyd and Amy Hamilton share a kiss at Rotary Park. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene Magazine.

Sandra and Roger Echelberger share a kiss at Rotary Park. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene