Leisure World News

Leisure World News • Community • April 2022 A13 It is said that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Arthur and Shirley Cannon stand as a testament to those very words as they celebrate 66 wonderful years of marriage. As you can probably imagine, it takes a particular type of commitment and dedication to reach this special milestone. Shirley and Arthur believe in marriage but above all they have built their foundation on Biblical principles and their shared love of God. “There is no secret to our marriage,” reveals Shirley. “We both love serving God and understand the purpose and mission that He has spoken over our lives.” The Cannons union has been one of service from the very beginning. Shirley and Arthur met while attending college in Costa Mesa, California. Although the two were students, they had reached adult status as Arthur previously attended a two-year college and entered the Navy for four years. During his military tour, Arthur was stationed in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Ireland, and Hawaii. Shirley worked as a bookkeeper and also within her church. While in college, Shirley worked in the Registrar’s office and inquired to her friend who the guy was who kept coming in the building. “I remember the first time that I saw her,” chuckled Arthur. “She had a pink skirt on. The second time, she had a brown skirt.” “You remember, “laughs Shirley. From worlds apart, Arthur who was a farm boy from Nebraska and Shirley a Californian, became inseparable after a park at the picnic and attending the Jr./Sr. Banquet. So inseparable that they met in April and married in August! “It was quick, but we were adults,” says Shirley. Arthur and Shirley married in a small church with about 200 people to support their union. “The wedding was traditional,” explains Shirley. “I had four bridesmaids. It was nice.” Following their union, the two followed what they believe was their calling fromGod. They moved to North Dakota where Arthur pastored two churches, Powers Lake Church and Wild Rose Church simultaneously. During Arthur’s pastorship, Shirley became pregnant with their first child and also directed the church choir. Although happy with life, the duo decided that God had called them to a higher standard for their lives. They followed their purpose with a small child in tow and one on the way, as missions called in Costa Rica. Arthur and Shirley raised a family of three while being missionaries in Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela! Now that life has progressed, the loving couple made Leisure World their home 5 years ago. “We love it here,” says Arthur. “It has been great living here and being in this community.” Their neighbor, Tom thinks the world of the two and checks on them quite frequently. “Arthur and Shirley are such great people,” says Tom. “Very sweet and social individuals.” The grandparents of six grandchildren and five great- grandchildren spend their days peacefully and loving on one another. “We have a genuine love for each other,” says Shirley in conclusion. “Our love has certainly withstood the test of time.” I Will Love You a Million Lifetimes 66 Years of Wedded Bliss Arthur and Shirley at home in Leisure World. Rendezvous Café Daily Specials Meatloaf Monday ............................................................. $7.50 Sloppy Joe Tuesday......................................................... $7.50 Fried Chicken or Liver & Onions Wednesday .............. $7.50 Pot Roast Thursday......................................................... $8.00 Fish Fry Friday................................................................. $8.00 Sumemr Hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone: 480-431-1826 Fish Fry Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. Call ahead for reservations. The Café is open for breakfast and lunch.