Vern Metz and Pat (Nelson) Metz met at the Dance Hall at Island Lake when Vern parked his car behind Pat’s car and wouldn’t let her leave until she promised him a date. On Feb. 16, 1946, two days after Vern was discharged from the Marine Corps, they married at Pat’s parents home.

They spent their first year of marriage in Vern’s home state of Wisconsin. Upon returning to Poulsbo, they purchased their home in Central Valley where they still reside.

Vern worked 30 years at the Naval Torpedo Station, Keyport, retiring as a quality assurance inspector. Pat worked 10 years driving school bus for the Central Kitsap School District. Retiring young, they spent many years traveling in their RVs throughout the U.S. and Canada; touring Europe, Australia, New Zealand, various Central American countries, and the Amazon; and also did the “snowbird” thing for a few years to Southern California.

Vern and Pat raised three children: Sylvia Hazen (Haukur) of Poulsbo; David Metz (Phyllis) of Bainbridge Island; and Cheryl Bradley (Homer) of Poulsbo. David is deceased.

Vern and Pat also have 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Celebration of this wonderful milestone in their commitment to each other will be with an intimate family dinner.