Couple celebrates 68th anniversary

POLSON — Many things have changed in the last 68 years, but for Robert and Dorothy Kelly, one thing has remained constant: each other.

You could probably tack on a few extra years to the amount of time the couple has known each other, but they officially exchanged vows on Oct. 26, 1942, in San Diego, Calif.

“We didn’t really celebrate this year, just dinner in Kalispell,” Dorothy said. “We’ve celebrated some, like our 50th and 60th with big parties and family members. We’re just happy to be the way we are.”

That union has persevered through ups and downs, through wars and world travel, through children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Kellys have experienced much in this world, and through most of that time have had the other to rely on, even when the going gets tough.

“We’re very fortunate, we’re both still very active, we square dance and golf and play cards,” Robert said. “One of the most important things in our marriage is a mutual respect for each other.”

After Pearl Harbor and with the United States on the brink of war, the beaus moved to San Diego and both worked for Solar Aircraft. With friends being drafted left and right, Robert went down and enlisted in the Air Force, where he was accepted into the Cadet program.

“Two weeks later, I got my Army draft notice,” Robert said with a laugh.

Robert spent the war as a B-17 bomber pilot and flew 35 missions out of an Air Force base in England. Dorothy returned to Missoula to await the return of her husband.

“She was able to travel some during that time, and she and the other wives would room together,” Robert said of life during the war. “The wives, who were from all over, still correspond with each other today.”

When Robert returned after the war, he attended the University of Montana, when he first became a serious Griz fan in 1948, and then worked for the Missoula Fire Department, eventually serving as chief for 11 years. The family headed to Helena eventually, where Robert served as Montana State Fire Marshall for nine years. They had owned lake front property on Flathead Lake for several years before Robert and Dorothy moved full-time within Polson city limits, conveniently close to the golf course.

“It’s a very nice, beautiful community,” Robert said. “Where else can you find the most beautiful place to live, with such friendly people?”

The Kellys have had their fair share of traveling, not just within the state but also internationally. Great Britain, Europe, South America and China are just a few of the many places the couple has traveled, with a few places standing out as most memorable.

“A cruise with friends down the Danube was outstanding, as were trips to Australia and New Zealand,” Robert said. “We’ve traveled extensively since we’ve been married.”

But ultimately, the Mission Valley is probably the “last best place,” the long-time couple agrees.

“I’d say it is,” Robert said. “At my age, it has to be.”