A rewarding life springs from a show of heart, courage and hard work.

For 65 years in the Auburn community, Cyril and Nixie Van Selus have enjoyed the good life, epitomizing those qualities while extending a helping hand to others.

Even today, in the twilight of their fulfilling lives, the inseparable, fun-loving couple bring out the best in themselves by giving something back.

“So many things people don’t think are important are very important to us,” said Cyril, best known as “Van,” a retired furniture businessman and longtime civic, education and church supporter. “We’re survivors … I’ve always felt we have lived a charmed life.”

The Van Seluses repeatedly have answered the call to duty. From humble beginnings, they raised a family, opened their home to those in need, grew a successful business and lent considerable support to many groups and organizations.

For their lifelong legacy of community building, the Van Seluses will be among eight special seniors honored next month by Foss Home and Village, a nonprofit organization that cares for and recognizes Seattle-area elderly and their contributions.

The Van Seluses’ compassion and support for others grow out of the love and understanding they share with each other.

“She’s a rare woman. She has one big heart for people,” said Van, who at 86 remains fit and sharp despite recovering from a recent stroke. “She’s been perfect for 64 years. I am truly blessed. I married a tremendous woman.”

Nixie paused, then carefully replied with a grin.

“He’s been a wonderful person, easy to get along with … most of the time,” said the family matriarch, who will turn 83 on Sept. 8.

Before they found each other, each persevered through tough times. Nixie grew up in Auburn, graduating from high school here. Van was raised on a farm outside Wenatchee where he picked cherries to save a dollar to support his family.

“I once saved $100, had it in the bank,” Van recalled. “Then one day, I received a statement in the mail, a check from the bank for $1.”

The Depression had left a scar on Van. He vowed never to be caught in such a predicament again.

With no intentions of becoming a farmer, Van eventually left home and took a job at an Auburn bank, earning as much as $80 a month. He was toiling to get ahead when he received his draft notice.

For three years in the military, caught in the throes of World War II, Van passed through an unforgettable, harrowing chapter in his life.

He served as a combat medic for the 99th Infantry Division, an Army unit that played a strategic role in the Battle of the Bulge when its inexperienced troops held fast on the northern shoulder of the German advance. At a considerable cost, Van and his fellow soldiers denied the Germans access to the vital northern road network that led into Belgium.

Van experienced the horrors of war, treating the wounded, wrapping the frozen and burying the dead during the winter of 1944-45 in the Ardennes.

“You grew up fast,” Van said of his nine months of combat. “That war was so cruel.”

Lucky to be here

On several occasions, Van escaped enemy fire, certain death, yet he remained convinced he would return home safely.

“One time, a shell dropped close by … I could feel the heat of the shrapnel off the back of my neck,” Van recalled. “How it didn’t kill me, I’ll never know. I feel very fortunate to be sitting here today.”

Following his tour, Van returned home to marry Nixie, his sweetheart, on July 30, 1945. While on their honeymoon, Japan surrendered. Van was relieved. His division had plans to invade the Japanese mainland.

After his discharge from the Army, the couple started anew in Auburn where Van took a job in his uncle’s furniture store.

“We didn’t have a dime,” he said. “I knew little about the business, but I soon discovered I was a pretty good salesman.”

Van eventually wound up buying George Peterson’s store downtown, renaming it Van’s Furniture. The successful operation lasted 40 years, expanding to five regional stores, before Van sold the business and retired in 1985.

“I was a survivor,” Van said. “When I put my mind to something, I’d do it. I don’t know if it was luck, timing or hard work, but we survived.”

Throughout their years living along the Green River, the Van Seluses devoted their lives to family and friends.

For the Van Seluses, helping others came naturally. And it started with family.

They raised a daughter, Karen, now a child psychologist living in Texas with her husband. They adopted a baby boy, who grew up to become a successful man.

They also raised a grandson and took in half-brothers – one 6, the other 18 – from a broken home. They provided the foundation, the means that enabled them to establish and follow productive lives.

“As to how many children we had? We’ve never known,” Nixie said with a smile.

Apart from family, the couple gave to the community. Van volunteered for many civic and service groups, helped raise money for Green River Community College, supported the Auburn School District and served on the Civil Service Commission.

Nixie spent much time working with her dear friend, Pixie Reiten, in teen parenting classes at Auburn Off-Campus (now West Auburn) High School.

The Van Seluses spent decades working with at-risk children in the school district.

Honored for work

In 2001, the couple earned Auburn’s Hometown Hero Award.

“I cannot imagine the Auburn community without their presence and their heart,” said Mayor Pete Lewis. “They are the prince and princess of Auburn.”

Even today, Van and Nixie remain involved in many functions, including those in their retirement community at Wesley Homes on Lea Hill. Nixie constantly checks up on her friends.

“She’s perpetually in motion,” Van said of his wife of 64 years. “She goes 12 hours a day, still does.”

They adore their children, six grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

They enjoy the large family gatherings. They enjoy each other.

Lifetime workers, lifetime friends, lifetime partners.

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Super seniors to be honored

A senior appreciation reception, put on by Foss Home and Village, will honor the Van Seluses and six others at 2 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Bitterlake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave. N., Seattle.

Manda Factor of KOMO Newsradio will be the emcee for the afternoon. The event is by invitation only and is not open to the public.

The Seattle Mayor’s Office has proclaimed Oct. 4-10 as Senior Appreciation Week. Foss Home and Village will honor one senior for each day of the week.

The group was selected from those nominated by senior centers, newspapers and churches.