Anchorage Daily News

OCT. 11, 1958

Jean and Daniel Kay

Jean and Dan Kay celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 11 in a small surprise celebration at their home, hosted by their son and daughter-in-law, Roland and Carrie Kay, and good friend Norma Mjolsnes.

The Kays built and live in a beautiful home on Wasilla Lake, with their floatplane docked in front. Dan declared on their first date in February 1958 that he would marry Jean, which she thought was crazy. The Kays were married Oct. 11, 1958, in a double ceremony with best pals Roland and Diane Arneson in a Presbyterian church in Twisp, Wash. They honeymooned one night in Lake Chelan, Wash., then went mule deer hunting.

Dan and Jean lived in Lynnwood, Wash., from 1958 to 1972, and had three children, Roland, Denise and Steven. They purchased 270 acres of lakefront property in Burns Lake, British Columbia, in 1967. They lived on the property in an Apache pop-up tent-trailer for six weeks in 1973. In 1976, they moved to the Tri-Cities area of Washington, where they stayed until 1982, when Dan and Roland moved north to Alaska, following the construction trade. Jean, Steven and Denise followed in 1983.

In 1982, Dan, Jean, Roland and Steven formed K's Construction, which is in business today doing commercial ceramic tile installations all over Alaska. Jean has been selling real estate in Alaska since her move here, having worked for Double Eagle, Marston, Re/Max, and now back at Double Eagle since 2006. She is heavily involved in local and state Realtor associations and has traveled to Juneau and Washington, D.C., to influence real estate legislation. Jean is involved in hospice locally and enjoys bunco monthly. Dan retired in 2006, and the two enjoy traveling to California, Arizona and Mexico during winter.

Roland and Carrie have two children, Zack and Kassie, who are a high school junior and eighth-grader. Denise has two children, Brandy and Cody. Brandy is studying Japanese at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Steven and his fiancee, Lynn, live in Anchorage.

The family wrote: "Congratulations on 50 great years, with love from your family."

JULY 25, 2008

Esther and Michael Giles

Esther Templeton and Michael T. Giles were married July 25 in Anchorage during a private ceremony performed by Mark Giles. They will celebrate their union Oct. 17 with family and friends.

Esther is the daughter of Sam and Claudea Templeton of East Leroy, Mich. She is a 1993 graduate of Logan Senior High School in La Crosse, Wis.

Michael is the son of Agnes Pitts and Williams Giles. He is a 1987 Bartlett High School graduate.

AUG. 2, 2008

Sara Miller and Paul Kari

Sara Miller and Paul Kari, both of Anchorage, were married Aug. 2 in Seldovia at high tide on a small island overlooking the harbor.

They were high school sweethearts and dated throughout the years. Paul proposed on the beach at Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, with a ring he made out of palm leaves.

The wedding weekend festivities included a waterfront barbecue, kayaking, fishing and beach bonfires under clear skies. Paul's brother, Brian, officiated. Sara's sister, Heather Beck, and longtime friend Cindy Martin were witnesses. The couple will honeymoon in the Virgin Islands.

Sara is the daughter of Rita and Michael Miller of Anchorage. She is a graduate of Dimond High School and has a degree in environmental science from the University of Nevada Reno. Sara earned a master's degree in school counseling and is a counselor at South High School, where she also coaches the cross-country running, skiing and triathlon teams.

Paul is the son of Earl and Louise Kari of Anchorage. He is a graduate of West High School and earned a degree from Williams College. He is a project manager with SKW/Eskimos. Paul is a backcountry skiing enthusiast. Both enjoy entertaining their two "crazy" dogs, mountain biking, nordic skiing, traveling and relaxing on the beach.

AUG. 31, 2008

JoAnna and Evan Beck

JoAnna Lynn Endecott and Daniel "Evan" Beck were married Aug. 31 at their home in Anchorage.

The highlights of the ceremony were when bridesmaid Jennifer Burton was beat by 8-year-old flower girl Jade River Wallace for the bride's tossed bouquet and when the groom came within two inches of taking out a guest when the champagne uncorked.

The couple send a special thanks to Jessica Lee for taking their photographs.

JoAnna graduated from Nikiski High School in 2003. She is employed by the state of Alaska. Her parents are David Joe Endecott of North Kenai and Anna and Gregory Goemer of Anchorage.

Evan graduated from Daleville High School in Daleville, Ala., in 2001. He is a specialist with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment at Fort Wainwright and is currently deployed. His parents are Keith Beck of Dublin, Ohio, and Deborah Demaree of Cottondale, Fla.

NOV. 8, 2008

Natascha Cruz and Chad Olson

Natascha Cruz and Chad Olson of Anchorage will marry Nov. 8 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Anchorage.

They have been together for 10 years. Family and friends have said this marriage is long overdue, Natascha wrote.

Natascha is the daughter of German and Myra Cruz of Anchorage. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1999 and earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Natascha works for the city. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, camping and movies.

Chad is the son of Suzan Olson of Anchorage and David Parks of Anchorage. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1998, has worked in construction for eight years. and is a carpenter for SBS-Pro Services. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and the outdoors.

The couple plan to take a Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon.

MAY 24, 2008

Ian and Christopher Lyon

Ian Wright and Christopher Lyon were married May 24 in Austin, Texas.

The evening ceremony was officiated by Ernie Wright, the bride's uncle. The bridegroom's aunt, Judy Lyon, read several poems. Friends and family from Alaska, Sweden and the Lower 48 celebrated the union.

The bride's sister, Laurel Conger, and friend Rebekah Lyle were matrons of honor. Bridesmaids were the bridegroom's sister, Hanna Lyon, as well as Lori Schneider, Celange Santiso, Lesley Quitmeier and Laura D'Abate.

The bridegroom was attended by Rune Christopherson and Tony Slattery, both longtime friends from Anchorage, as well as David Bergart, Julian Wiggins and Mike Palmer, friends from Bates College and Virginia. The bride's nephew, Tom Conger, was ring bearer.

The romantic setting of Austin's Barr Mansion was a beautiful backdrop for the outdoor ceremony. Dinner and dancing followed in the candlelit Atrium Ballroom.

The couple honeymooned on the Greek Isles.

Chris and Ian live in Austin near Ian's family. They also enjoy outdoor activities including triathlons and adventure racing. They love to travel, listen to music, read, explore Austin and play with their pug, Elmer.

Ian is the daughter of Susan and George Wright of College Station, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in journalism. After five years in the fashion magazine business in New York City, she returned to Utah to earn a degree in teaching. Ian is happily teaching fourth grade.

Chris is the son of Barbro and Jon Lyon of Anchorage. He attended East High School and graduated from Bates College in 2001 with a degree in geology. Chris works for Galt and Co., a strategic consulting firm.

How to submit a Together announcement

The Daily News publishes engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements every Monday at adn.com and in the Life & Style section. We have teamed with Legacy.com to offer guest books and photo galleries to accompany all announcements. Those placing an engagement announcement also have a convenient online gift registry. Couples are encouraged to personalize these new enhancements. After a submission is made to the Daily News, Legacy.com will contact the submitter with an e-mail that contains a link to the extra features.

We accept all anniversaries, for couples married just one year or 60. We accept submissions from former residents who did not grow up in Alaska. We have extended the deadline to submit weddings and anniversaries from three months to six.

Engagements start at $55 for up to 200 words. Wedding announcements start at $5 for up to 70 words. Anniversary announcements start at $10 for up to 70 words. Couples celebrating their 40th anniversary or beyond can place a free announcement of up to 200 words; 201 to 350 words is $75. More words costs extra.

No engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement may exceed 700 words. Our electronic forms count words as they are typed. Our online forms allow for photo uploads and secure payment. See our forms at adn.com/help. Our online forms help us process submissions as quickly and accurately as possible. A $15 service fee will be added for announcements that are e-mailed, dropped off at or mailed to the Daily News.

Please submit wedding and anniversary announcements no later than six months after the event. Engagement announcements should be submitted at least one month before the wedding day.

We continue to edit announcements for clarity and news style. All announcements become the property of the Anchorage Daily News and may be republished in any format.

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