Gary Fisher and Lois McSpadden met in school in Santa Rosa, Calif. Upon graduation in 1956, Gary joined the U.S. Navy, proposed and three years later they were married on July 5, 1959, in Santa Rosa. Gary retired in 1988 as a U.S. Navy captain.

Their 50 years of marriage is comprised of 30 years in the U.S. Navy and 20 years of farming on Whidbey Island. They have two sons, one daughter, six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Traveling all over the world, they decided of all the places they had ever been, Whidbey Island was the chosen retirement destination.

Gary and Lois have been active in the community including Boy and Girl Scouts, Little League, Whidbey Playhouse, American Red Cross, Island County Fair, WSU Extension Programs and as 4-H Co-Leaders of the Year for 2000. Gary served on many boards, staffs and committees and was a volunteer fireman on North Whidbey.

They enjoy farming and were awarded Merit Farm of Whidbey Island honors by the Conservation District and presented by Rep. Barbara Bailey. They raise Colonial Livestock and enjoy conducting tours year-round for pre-schoolers, Island County school students, adult groups and the general public.

“We thank all our friends and relatives for their love and support over the years and for helping us celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary,” they said.