Dick and Nancy Smith, a couple who first met as children in Longview, Washington, are celebrating an impressive milestone: their 60th wedding anniversary. The pair, who began their journey together in 1955, have shared a lifetime of memories filled with love, adventure, and a commitment to each other.
From Childhood Friends to Lifelong Partners
Their story began in the mid-1950s when Dick was in fourth grade and Nancy was in third. After moving to Longview, Dick’s family sought a local church, where they were warmly welcomed by Nancy’s parents. Although they attended different schools, their paths crossed again when Nancy and her cousin visited a local swimming pool.
It was during this outing that Dick, who was initially focused on baseball, noticed Nancy. “I was attracted to blondes with blue eyes,” he recalled, adding that Nancy’s vivacity caught his attention. On May 6, 1961, after receiving his driver’s license, he offered to drive everyone home in his father’s red 1956 Ford Fairlane. That day marked the beginning of their romantic relationship, which they commemorate each year.
As their connection deepened, Dick found himself inspired by Nancy’s achievements. “At the time, she was everything I wanted to be,” he said. “She was in student government and much higher than me in the Honor Society.” In contrast, Nancy noted that Dick often sought attention through playful antics. “He was kind of a pill,” she remembered fondly.
By August 1964, Dick proposed to Nancy at a beach along the Columbia River, and they married on August 7, 1965, when she was 19 and he was 20. Throughout their marriage, education remained a priority for both. They each earned associate degrees from Lower Columbia College, and Dick later pursued a graduate degree in healthcare administration.
Building a Family and Career
In 1966, following the announcement of his draft, Dick made the decision to enlist in the Air Force. He served for 3.5 years at bases in Texas and Colorado, during which time Nancy joined him. In 1968, they welcomed their first son, Todd, and returned to Longview in 1970, expanding their family with the birth of Nathan in 1972.
After completing his studies at Whitman College, Dick took on the role of youth pastor at their childhood church. The church supported his further education by offering to pay half of his tuition for a graduate degree, provided he worked there for a year. Following this commitment, the family relocated to Blaine, Washington, where Dick attended Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Their journey took them to various locations, including Moses Lake and Ellensburg, as Dick transitioned from youth pastor to healthcare administrator. He later earned an MBA from City University of Seattle. Nancy began working outside the home when Nathan reached middle school, driven by a desire to provide their sons with opportunities they had not always had.
In 2015, after retirement, the couple moved to Spokane, Washington, to be closer to their younger son and his family.
Reflecting on their six decades together, Nancy, now 79, expressed gratitude for Dick’s encouragement in trying new experiences. “I’d had a very sheltered life – I’d never lived anyplace else until we got married,” she shared. “He’s pushed me to be more adventurous.” Nancy has since traveled to all 50 states and ventured overseas, broadening her horizons.
When asked about the secret to a lasting marriage, Nancy smiled and said, “Patience and humor really help. And remembering to say thank you for the little things you do for each other.” Dick, now 80, nodded in agreement and added, “My eyes still light up when she comes into the room.”
As they celebrate their anniversary, the Smiths serve as a testament to the enduring power of love and partnership. Their journey together is a reminder that with patience and support, lasting bonds can be formed and cherished.
