LAKEPORT >> Gary and Linda Olson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family coming from four states for a reunion.
Their youngest daughter, Shersti, rented a vacation home near the beach where the family could all be together. After a train ride on the Roaring Camp railroad, they piled into cars to meet at a favorite restaurant.
The couple”s only request for their anniversary had been to have their eight children, spouses and 17 grandchildren together, but they received the surprise of their life when they arrived at the tiny restaurant — about 50 additional family members and close friends showed up to celebrate with them.
“It was a dream come true,” Linda said.
Attending the family reunion were the honored couple”s children Lori Zoglio and husband Eric, of Derry, New Hampshire; Eric Olson and wife Gina, of Middletown; Robert Olson and wife Belinda, of Modesto; Gary Olson and wife Renee, of Sunnyvale; Glen Olson and wife Sandy, of Santa Clara; Mike Olson and wife Liz, of San Jose; Jonathan Olson and wife Cheryl, of Orem, Utah; and Shersti Edwards and husband Bryce, of Casper, Wyoming.
Gary and Linda moved to Lakeport in 2001 after vacationing here for more than 40 years at Gary”s parents” summer home.
The two met in 1961, but waited to get married until Gary returned from Norway, where he served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two and a half years. They were sealed for time and all eternity on Aug. 20, 1964, in the Salt Lake City temple.
Gary is a retired San Jose police officer, and Linda is a retired cosmetologist. They are enjoying their retirement in Lakeport, where family and friends have a place to visit on the lake.
