Thomas and Linda Nickols celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary March 17.

They were married in 1972 in Oak Harbor. After being immersed in the community for years, the couple still resides in Oak Harbor.

Thomas worked for the City of Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in water and wastewater management, Krieg Construction and as a Bering Sea fisherman.

Linda worked at Sullivan Realty, the Navy Exchange and Puget Sound Energy.

The couple have two children, Isaac Thomas Nickols and Sarah Lynn Nickols. They have five grandsons, Collin, Kyle, Isaac Jr., Damian and Jesse.

The Nickols will celebrate the occasion at home with family and friends, where they enjoy a farm with animals, gardening and art work.

“We encourage all young couples to work through the storms. It’s worth it,” the Nickols said.