Downs 50th

DOWNS 50th

Wendell and Linda Downs of Palmer, Alaska, were married at Pioneer Park in Walla Walla, Washington, on June 7, 1970. Unlike many other locations they might have chosen, such as churches which grow old, burn down, get repurposed or are sold, the same Garden Clubhouse and exact location where they spoke their vows still exists. They more than once have driven by that exact location, and they still feel the same thrills they felt so many years ago.

This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, those of the Downs family residing in Alaska decided to help Linda and Wendell celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary by spending it in Denali Park with them. Son-in-law and daughter Aaron and Jen Woehler, who were married many years later on June 6, rented a 15-passenger van and helped them celebrate the weekend.

The part of the family in Alaska all rode together up toward Denali on Friday and camped at a family member's cabin Friday night. On Sabbath afternoon, the group moved up the line. They were unable to get an official campsite in the park due to social distancing restrictions but were able to find a wide spot off the highway about 15 miles away, where everybody set up camp. On Sunday, June 7, 2020, the group loaded into the van and drove into Teklanika, inside the park. Everybody really enjoyed seeing a mother moose with two newborn babies who came prancing right down the middle of the park road. Aaron, the van driver, willingly gave way, while everybody else took some awesome pictures. 

When the excursionists got back to their campsite, they discovered a thunderstorm had taken down one tent and gotten things wet. Everybody decided to pack up and drive home that night. It was a wonderful weekend, topped off by those still awake on the ride home taking part in the most beautiful sunset and awesome views of the many angles of Denali.

Wendell and Linda spent a total of 32 years carrying on the mission of the Adventist Church in Alaska, first as student missionaries back in 1972 and later in pastoral ministry from 1986 to 2015. They spent an additional two-year stint in Papua New Guinea working with Adventist Aviation Services immediately following retirement.

The Downs family includes Warren and Verity Downs of Dillingham, Alaska; Dan and Ferne Downs of Palmer, Alaska; Jennifer and Aaron Woehler of Wasilla, Alaska; Jeff and Alisha Downs of Medford, Oregon; and eleven wonderful grandchildren.