Walter and (Gloria) Jean Thatcher marked the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 8 in the same low-key manner they celebrated their wedding in 1960: without telling anyone or doing anything special.

The couple met in a bar where Walt’s trio was playing, after which it was soon general knowledge that “Jean goes with the sax player.” After their day trip to Connecticut to tie the knot, the Thatchers returned without so much as a wedding photo to take up married life in the then not-quite-complete house built by Walt, a residential contractor. After that property was acquired by the new Albany Country Club, they lived in other homes Walt built in Colonie, Clifton Park, and finally Altamont.

Retired in 1984, Walt had been the president of Thatcher Builders Inc. prior, and continued to help family with many additions, decks, and renovations afterwards. Jean happily retired from employment early in her marriage and has been a full-time homemaker since, active in church and community groups. A largely self-taught artist, she is a member of the Firehouse Artists and exhibits watercolor paintings, multimedia works and porcelain art at various venues.

The couple have one daughter, Terry Waltz, who is married to Craig R. Waltz Jr., of Albany.