David and Diane Bunnell celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary with a surprise 'drive-by celebration.' (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

New way to celebrate

Drive-by greeting a happy surprise for couple celebrating 48th wedding anniversary

Apr 11, 2020 | 4:00 PM

Honking horns and cheers from well-wishers greeted David and Diane Bunnell when they stepped outside their home to a welcome surprise this week.

It was all part of a coordinated drive-by anniversary parade so friends and family could pay a visit from their vehicles to celebrate the couple’s 48th wedding anniversary, while still respecting the COVID-19 preventative measures that include social distancing.

“I was shocked,” David said with a laugh when he saw the festive entourage drive past his home.

Longtime friend and former colleague of Diane, Kathy Watson took part in the drive-by celebration organized by the Bunnell’s daughter Donna.

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Watson described the experience as “exhilarating,” adding she was glad to be able to bring joy to the family on their special occasion.

Diane said as a retired registered nurse she appreciates the need for everyone to “do what we have to do” and follow the province’s public health measures in place during the pandemic.

The Bunnell’s celebrated their anniversary with dinner with their family at home. The couple have a long history in the Battlefords. Diane and her husband have been living in the community since 1977. They first met on a Caribbean cruise while each were on vacation and by chance ended up sitting together.

“We picked the same table; it’s one of those things,” Diane said with a laugh.

When they later married and settled in the Battlefords, David owned the business Four-D Signs and Trophies Ltd. that he ran for close to 40 years. It was named after the couple, their daughter Donna and son Doug. Diane worked at Battlefords Union Hospital for 22 years, where she was a manager, and then at Battlefords District Care Centre for 16 years.

Diane said the Battlefords community has always been very supportive,and the family loves living here.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow