Ivan and Joy Fubler are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary, and have shared the secret of their long-lasting marriage.In the 60 years since they married in St John’s Church, Pembroke, on October 8, 1953, Mr and Mrs Fubler have built a family of eight children, 17 grandchildren, and 20 — yes, 20 — great-grandchildren.For an 81-year-old woman in chronic pain from a disc in her spine, Mrs Fubler is downright sprightly in the way she putters around her Hamilton Parish home on Aubrey Road. Ahead of their anniversary celebrations today, the house was buzzing with friends lending Mrs Fubler a hand with the preparations.After undergoing ten operations on her back, and despite taking daily medication for the pain that forced her into retirement in 1986, Mrs Fubler’s never once bemoaned her luck.“I try not to let it slow me down”, she said, pointing toward her walker. “But I don’t sit up an cry about it. I keep active. The doctors are very surprised when they see how active I am considering what I’ve gone through, and am still going through.”At 86 years old, Mr Fubler is not quite as twinkle-toed as his wife.A life spent working every job he could find, from postman to civil servant, has taken all eagerness out of his stride. Barely a wrinkle on his face — he’s only once tried a cigarette, he said proudly — Mr Fubler chooses to plod instead of putter.Like many of the best romances, the two began as friends, but after getting him a job at the local dry-cleaning company, Mr Fubler’s affection for his friend grew. Five years later they were married.While the first years of marriage are often the best for newlyweds, that was not the case for Mr and Mrs Fubler. Mr Fubler was battling alcoholism, and Mrs Fubler’s commitment was being tested.But as they say, the strongest steel is often forged in the hottest fires, and “by the Grace of God” Mr Fubler stopped drinking.From there, the two have gone on to travel the world, taking over 30 cruises in their lifetime, and in the process built something fewer and fewer couples seem able to match: a loving, lasting marriage.Their secret is simple: “You have to mix the thick with the thin.”