LIVERPOOL, N.S.—A Nova Scotia man who was part of one of Canada’s longest-lasting couples has died after 80 years of marriage at the age of 101.

According to an obituary, Bill Nickerson passed away peacefully on Sunday in the brick house he had shared with his 98-year-old wife, Bertie, since 1935.

They met by chance in Bill’s hometown of Liverpool and married after dating for three years so that 15-year-old Bertie could finish high school.

Bill worked much of his life at the nearby paper mill, while Bertie was a nurse.

In December, they were named the longest-married couple among those nominated across Canada in 2015 in a contest run by the Catholic organization Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

Bill is survived by his son, Peter, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and the love of his life.

Read more about: