Barbara Rand was a Marysville girl. From the age of 3, her home was what is now St. Joseph’s House, a community-supported clothing bank on Fourth Street.
Barbara enjoyed skating at local rinks. When her skating instructor went to Ferndale, Barbara went along to help teach.
It was at the rink in Ferndale that Barbara met Jim Turpin, a sailor from Idaho.
Jim was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.
“I thought he was a flirty sailor,” Barbara said. “Which was true.”
The two met in the summer of 1956 but waited until the first weekend in November for their first date. They attended an Al Hibbler concert. In December, they got engaged.
Jim and Barbara Turpin of Marysville will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house hosted by their children, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28 at Northshore Christian Church in Everett.
The couple were married July 21, 1957, in Marysville.
Barbara and Jim have four children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
There wasn’t much time to date after Jim and Barbara became engaged. He went off to New Jersey in March and came back the Northwest a week before they were married.
“While he was gone, I planned a wedding,” Barbara said.
Jim and Barbara had many of the same beliefs. They both grew up in Methodist homes.
“He just was a good guy,” Barbara said.
The couple have weathered the ups and downs of life throughout the last 50 years.
“You keep on moving,” Barbara said.
Her advice to couples just starting out is to put God first and realize that when making a commitment it has to be forever.
“It’s more than just loving someone,” Barbara said.
Of her husband, Barbara said he is very friendly and helpful.
Jim retired from the U.S. post office in Marysville. He delivered mail for 23 years. He still works at the contract post office at the Bartell Drugs store in Lake Stevens.
“He’s very outgoing,” Barbara said.
Barbara describes Jim as a hard worker who is solid and always able to provide for the family.
Their relationship has only gotten stronger throughout their marriage and the couple has had a lot of fun together.
“If you knew Jim, you’d know he’s a good guy,” Barbara said. “I’ve been very blessed.”
For information on Love Story or Celebrations please call Christina Harper at 425-339-3491 or e-mail harper@heraldnet.com.
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