Napier

Rodney and Susan (Sanders) Napier, of Fall River, Bend, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family at the Fall River Lodge and several gatherings with friends at their home during June.

The couple were married June 12, 1968, at Pioneer Kaserne Chapel, Hanau, Germany, and honeymooned in Austria, Switzerland and Italy. They have 5 children, Jon (and Shelley) Napier, of Bend; Jennifer (and Scott) Seelye, of Bend; Joseph (and Krystal) Napier, of Philomath; Jessica (and Chris) Kasten, of Tigard; and James (and Lindsey) Napier, of Corvallis, and nine grandchildren. While their children were young, the family lived on the Oregon coast for 14 years.

Mr. Napier was born in Oklahoma and raised in Eugene. He was drafted in 1966 and served at Francois Kaserne in Hanau, Germany, with the 3rd Armored Division, Artillery “Spearhead” 6th Battalion, 40th Field Artillery. In 1970, Captain Napier served as commander of Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Artillery “Proud Americans” in Vietnam. Mrs. Napier was born in California and raised in Malibu. She was a teacher and counselor at the Army education center while they lived in Germany.

After military life, Mr. and Mrs. Napier graduated from Southern Oregon University in Ashland. Mr. Napier’s first job was at the Corvallis Gazette Times. The couple opened their first home and car electronics business in Corvallis in 1974. They ran family-owned businesses in Eugene, Albany and Corvallis and retired in 2006. Life in Germany allowed for travel around Europe and the electronics business offered new opportunities to travel all over the U.S. and foreign travel to Portugal, Greece, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean.

They enjoy traveling, gardening, reunions with military units, Soldier Songs and Voices, Healing Waters, Central Oregon music events and spending time with family.

The couple have lived in Fall River for 16 years.