The family of Dale and Evelyn Gibson gathered in June for an early celebration of the couple’s 70th wedding anniversary during a family reunion and celebration of Dale’s 90th birthday.

Dale, a World War II veteran, served as a paratrooper and staff sergeant in the 13th Airborne Division (later the 82nd Airborne) from 1944-1946. Evelyn took a train from Spokane, Wash., to Fort Bragg, N.C., to marry her high school sweetheart on Aug. 4, 1946, after his return from the European Theater of Operations.

Following the war Dale helped his uncle in the construction business before going on to eventually start his own business, Gibson’s Custom Collection Breeder’s Service. Evelyn worked in the retail clothing industry, helped with farm work and assisted Dale with his business. The family lived in Washington, Oregon and California before moving to Hermiston.

Their biggest joy in life is enjoying time with their children Craig and wife Nancy of Gig Harbor, Wash., Gene and wife Judy of Hermiston, Caryle and husband Greg of Hermiston, Marla and husband Clark of San Diego, Calif., and Cerise and husband Duane of La Grande, 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.