Virginia and Douglas Nelson

Douglas and Virginia (Smith) Nelson, of Bend, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a camping trip to the Metolius River and a surprise reception hosted by their children at Hilliards Brewery in Seattle.

The couple were married August 4, 1973, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Auburn, Wash. They have three children, Kourtney, of Portland, Karly (and Jose) Aparicio, of San Francisco, and Jenna (and Ken) Blancher, of Portland.

Mr. Nelson worked as the superintendent for Bend-La Pine Schools until his retirement in 2008. He enjoys skiing, golf and is a board member for Mid Oregon Credit Union, High Desert Education Service District, Oregon School Boards Association and the State of Oregon Fair Dismissal Appeals Board. Mrs. Nelson worked as a kindergarten teacher for Bend-La Pine Schools until her retirement in 2009. She enjoys volunteering at local elementary schools and flyfishing.

The couple also enjoy camping, traveling, hiking, spending time with family and friends and are board members for Carly’s Kids Foundation.

They have lived in Central Oregon for 13 years.