Beverly Carriveau was a 23-year-old Canadian university librarian on vacation in Mazatlan, Mexico in June 1968. While browsing a hotel gift store, she locked eyes with a tall, handsome man who had just stepped out of a taxi. Feeling a strong connection, she confided in her friend about the moment. Later, they accepted a bottle of wine sent by the man at the bar. Beverly felt flustered and intrigued, wondering about the mysterious wine donor. When she finally approached the man at the bar, he smiled at her, and their lives were forever changed by the “thunderbolt” moment that passed between them. – Courtesy Beverly Parsons
Beverly found herself blushing once more as she admitted, “I got all flustered. But I asked him if he’d like to come over and sit with us.” The moment felt like a “thunderbolt” for Bob and Beverly, as they shared a deep connection from the instant their eyes met. Upon returning to her table with the man from the taxi, much to her friend’s amusement, Beverly was introduced for the first time to Bob Parsons, a 30-year-old yacht captain from the US. Bob shared that he managed a few yachts, with his main boat, the Sugar Shack, currently docked in Mazatlan.
As they enjoyed dinner and conversation, Beverly noted Bob’s laid-back and sincere demeanor. Throughout the meal, they shared meaningful glances, each time evoking the same electrifying feeling Beverly experienced initially. While Bob was friendly towards her friend, Beverly sensed a special connection when his attention was focused on her.
After dinner, Bob suggested heading downtown to the Copa de Leche, a beach bar. Despite her initial reservations, Beverly agreed to join. The trio spent the evening drinking, dancing, and chatting at the ocean-facing Art Deco club. Despite her cautious approach due to her boyfriend at home and parental advice about sailors and Americans, Beverly couldn’t shake the unique allure she felt whenever she was with Bob.
As Beverly finished her vacation, she spent every day with Bob, always with her friend present. Despite her internal conflicts, she couldn’t deny the strong pull she felt towards Bob. Upon returning home, Beverly eagerly checked her mailbox, hoping to hear from Bob. Instead, she found a note from her roommate inquiring about Captain Parsons on the Sugar Shack, which brought a smile to her face.
Realizing the depth of her feelings, Beverly made the decision to pursue this newfound connection with Bob. She informed her boyfriend, Doug, about meeting someone in Mexico and the unexplainable bond she felt. Surprisingly, Doug encouraged her to explore this opportunity, acknowledging the unusual circumstances.
Trusting her instincts, Beverly chose to follow her heart and take a chance on Bob. Throughout July 1968, they exchanged letters, laying the foundation for a budding relationship.
Communicating through letters to Mexico was a bit chaotic, recalls Beverly. It took a long time. Then, in late July, Beverly received a call from an unknown number. It was the wife of the Sugar Shack owner, informing her that they were going to California to pick up a new motor yacht the following weekend. She mentioned that their captain wanted Beverly to fly to San Diego for the weekend, with a hotel room arranged for her. Beverly immediately agreed, even though she knew it was a bold move. She had only known Bob for a week and had never been alone with him before. Nonetheless, Beverly couldn’t stop thinking about him. The whirlwind weekend in San Diego confirmed that they were falling for each other. Beverly found Bob to be tall, handsome, and humble, which made him even more appealing. They had a natural connection. Beverly returned home on Monday, resigned from her various jobs, and informed her friends and family about her decision to be with Bob. Despite the doubts and shock from her loved ones, she was certain that being with Bob was the right choice, driven by the memory of their time together in San Diego. In August 1968, Beverly moved to Mazatlan to be with Bob, who managed multiple boats. One day, Bob surprised Beverly by proposing marriage. She hesitated, thinking of her ex-boyfriend Doug and her parents. Bob reassured her, pointing out that if she was concerned about Doug, she would be in Canada. They called Beverly’s parents from the boat to announce their decision to marry, with the call being broadcast over the radio. Beverly’s mother was taken aback by the sudden news.
Beverly vividly recalls a funny incident involving her mother’s reaction to her impromptu wedding plans. Despite expecting objections, her mother matter-of-factly insisted they marry in the church. Beverly’s surprise turned to dazed happiness as she realized she was getting married and needed a dress. While her mother efficiently organized a last-minute celebration, Beverly worked on her wedding attire with a newfound friend in Mazatlan. Reflecting on the whirlwind decision to marry Bob after only a few months, Beverly felt a mix of excitement and fear but ultimately followed her heart. The couple rushed to plan their wedding, arriving in Vancouver with handmade outfits to meet Beverly’s family and friends. Initially skeptical guests were won over by Bob’s heartfelt toast, and the day turned into a joyful celebration. Beverly looks back gratefully on her mother’s insistence on a church wedding as a meaningful commitment surrounded by loved ones.
Beverly and Bob Parsons returned to Mexico to meet with the boat owners in Cabo San Lucas. Previously a quiet beach town with around 1,700 residents, the area had transformed into a lively resort destination. The couple rented a beachfront home and befriended one of the yacht’s deckhands, who helped Beverly learn Spanish. Eventually, Beverly became a cook on the yacht, and she and Bob became close with the boat owners, sharing experiences like enduring hurricanes and traveling together.
Despite the glamorous lifestyle, Beverly sometimes felt unfulfilled professionally. She eventually transitioned into becoming a boat agent, supported by Bob. They later moved to San Diego, where Bob worked as a captain on a commercial fishing vessel while Beverly began her career in the yachting industry.
Their work success led them to settle on land, offering a comprehensive package of services to yacht buyers. Beverly felt like their life resembled a movie at times, especially when Bob was mistaken for a movie star. The couple decided early on not to have children, content with their fulfilling lives and extensive travels for work.
Throughout the years, they journeyed to various destinations for work, creating a fulfilling life together.
Beverly reflects on her life with her late husband, Bob, as a beautiful journey filled with love, trust, and respect. “I totally loved him, and it was just great,” she says. Despite Bob’s battle with dementia in his later years, Beverly remained by his side, providing him with love and support until his passing in early 2020.
In the five years since Bob’s death, Beverly has continued to excel in the yachting industry, turning 80 this year with a passion for her career still intact. Looking back on her marriage, she acknowledges that Bob’s support and encouragement allowed her to break free from traditional gender roles and explore the world on her own terms.
Beverly’s perspective on marriage has evolved over the years, as she credits Bob for propelling her forward and embracing her independence. She expresses gratitude for taking a chance on love with Bob, which ultimately enriched her life in ways she never imagined.
Living in California, Beverly remains close to her old friends and has even rekindled a friendship with her ex-boyfriend, Doug. Despite past regrets, Beverly and Doug have reconciled and are planning to celebrate their shared birth month with a cruise around Alaska.
As Beverly enters her 80s, she looks back on her life with a sense of contentment and gratitude for the love and experiences she shared with Bob and the opportunities that came her way.
After Bob’s touching toast at their wedding, Beverly often thinks back to a conversation she had with her father. He expressed his initial fears about his daughter marrying and possibly traveling far away, but then acknowledged the strong bond between Beverly and Bob. Reflecting on their 50 years together, Beverly feels grateful for taking a chance on love. Stay updated with the latest news and newsletters by signing up for an account at CNN.com.
