Canyon Lake couple celebrates 75th anniversary

BY Dawn Rankins

Canyon Lakers Robert Cooper, 96, and Luciene Cadieux, 94, otherwise known as Bob and Lu Cooper, celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary with family and friends over the weekend.

The couple were married on Oct. 25, 1947 in Los Angeles. Bob served in the Navy and was a World War II veteran.

Bob and Lu moved to Canyon Lake eight years ago to be closer to their daughter Karen Ahlgrim, a Canyon Lake resident of 38 years. Bob and Lu moved from Burbank where they raised their three children, Thomas, Denise and Karen. They have nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Bob and Lu are still very healthy according to son-in-law Mike Ahlgrim.

“They both still drive,” Mike said. “Lu just got another five-year renewal on her license.”

They live on Sparrow Hawk and can be seen walking around the neighborhood nearly every day.

“Bob and Lu are my heroes and I have learned so much from them,” Mike said. “They are the most giving couple.”

They attend St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Sun City where the church did a special mass for them on Saturday to celebrate their 75 years of marriage.

Bob and Lu also have been with State Farm Insurance for 75 years and when State Farm heard about their anniversary, reached out to set up an interview with the couple for an upcoming State Farm feature article.

Mike recalls how his in-laws remember the day they got married.

“They went back to Lu‘s parents house for bacon and eggs after the wedding,” Mike said. “Life was so simple then. Bob and Lu continue to be a real inspiration to everyone they know and meet.”

Lu said the secret to a long marriage is simple.

“You just have to tough it out,” she said.

Bob said he gives the Lord credit for keeping them together.

Bob and Lu Cooper in 1947.

Bob and Lu Cooper today. Photo by Michael Ahlgrim