From Thunderbolt to Lifelong Love: Librarian and Yacht Captain’s 52-Year Marriage Began with a Chance Meeting

It started with a glance across a hotel parking lot in Mazatlán, Mexico.

In the summer of 1968, 23-year-old Canadian librarian Beverly Carriveau met Bob Parsons, a 30-year-old American yacht captain. That brief encounter sparked what Beverly describes as a “thunderbolt” moment, setting off a love story that would span five decades.

Beverly was vacationing with a friend when she first saw Bob step out of a taxi. The two locked eyes, and though they hadn’t spoken a word, Beverly says she felt an instant, undeniable connection. Later that evening, Bob sent Beverly and her friend a bottle of wine — a gesture that finally led to their first conversation.

Over the next week, Beverly and Bob spent every day together, though always accompanied by Beverly’s friend. By the time she returned to Vancouver, Beverly couldn’t stop thinking about Bob. When she found a message waiting from him upon arriving home, she knew she had to see him again.

That summer, Beverly flew to San Diego to reunite with Bob, and soon after, she left her job and life in Canada to move to Mexico. In a whirlwind of events, the couple married in Vancouver just three months after meeting.

They spent much of their early life together working on yachts in Mexico and eventually settled in California. Beverly built a successful career as a boat agent, while Bob became a yacht broker. Though they chose not to have children, Beverly says their life was full of adventure, travel, and meaningful friendships.

Bob passed away in 2020 after living with dementia, but Beverly remains active in the yachting business. Now 80, she reflects on their story in a new episode of CNN’s Chance Encounters podcast, which shares remarkable real-life love stories.

“I’m just so glad that I took a chance,” Beverly says today.

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