Friends and customers turned out to usher Rocky Flint into retirement at an open house sponsored by Rocky's Marine on Wednesday afternoon. Flint's employees customized a walker complete with compass, horn, flashing lights, beverage holder and high-flying flag reading, "Old Guys Rule." Flint has operated Rocky's Marine with his wife Sue for 35 years after opening the doors in May 1980.
It was an eventful week.
A big highlight was the anniversary celebration of the marriage of Bob and Carroll Nilsen who were wed on December 15, 1955. Sixty years of marriage is indeed something to celebrate and their family and friends certainly pulled it off nicely.
Following their vow renewal at the Lutheran Church on Wednesday, I asked Bob if the marriage vows were easier said the second time around.
Bob replied, "This is the third time." He explained they were married before a Justice of the Peace the first time; in a Catholic service the second time, and repeated their vows in Petersburg on Tuesday evening.
While reciting vows is a significant reminder of the marriage commitment, the true test is the 60 years of living together. Ben Franklin provided the best secret to a lasting marriage in his famous quote, "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards."
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Dave and Nancy Berg purchased a Christmas wreath from the Lutheran Church Fundraiser. According to Dave, they had only room for five words on the gift card that would accompany the gift. The holiday salutation left no room for their names so the wreath was delivered absent notice of who sent the gift. Dave's brother in Portland, a recipient of the holiday gift, posted a photo of the wreath on his Facebook page and asked who might have provided the gift. Dave was able to announce that he had provided the wreath. His brother reported to Dave that several people replied to his query and took credit for the holiday present.
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Congratulations to Rocky Flint, who celebrated his retirement with a party on Wednesday. The company that bears his name will move on without him.
Rocky's Marine came to town in May 1980 as a Suzuki outboard dealership. Today the company is an exclusive Yamaha dealership, and by any measure, is one of the most successful in Alaska and perhaps the West Coast.
Some folks think Rocky will still show up at the shop out of habit. Wife Sue said she'd written his final paycheck. He's been removed from the payroll ledger for 2016.
A lot of commercial boat operators have to attribute some of their success to Rocky. He and his crew make every effort to keep the commercial fleet in the water during the short summer season. Their work is greatly appreciated by many.
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