Neils' love story nears its sixth decade
Their romance interrupted by distance and war, couple's 57-year marriage thrives on give and take
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers IN LOVE- Ken and Doris Neil, married 57 years, share a moment with poodle, Roxy, 10. "You have to give a lot, and you have to take a lot," Doris says when asked the secret to lasting love.

Stationed on a tiny island in Micronesia during World War II, Navy Seaman Ken Neil was lovesick and longed to return home to his fiancée, Doris.

The two had been high school sweethearts in their Pennsylvania hometown but their romance was interrupted when Doris' family moved to California.

After graduating from high school, Ken enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at Port Hueneme. He found Doris and they soon began dating again.

Then duty called and the Navy sent Ken to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. The time away from Doris convinced Ken she was the one he wanted to spend his life with.

So he sent her a wedding ring in the mail. She accepted, and seven days after he returned to California in November 1949, they were married.

During their 57year marriage, Ken and Doris Neil have enjoyed happy times and weathered the many lows. Compromise, respect for each other and maintaining a sense of humor have contributed to the longevity of their union, they said.

"I didn't know how to fill out divorce papers," Ken Neil said with a chuckle.

"You have to have (a sense of humor) to stay married that long," Doris said.

The Neils recommend that single couples not live together as if it's a training-ground for marriage, but rather give 100 percent of themselves to the relationship.

"You've got to give a little," Ken said.

"You have to give a lot," Doris said, "and you have to take a lot."

The Neils have an adult daughter, who also lives in Camarillo.