Bob and Violet Waid’s first date was also the first time they met. It didn’t go that well.
“I was angry ? I didn’t like him, Violet said.
But Bob felt bad, and quickly drove back over to apologize. It worked, and they’ve been together ever since. This year marks their diamond anniversary, their 60th year of marriage.
‘We don’t drink. We go to church,? Bob explained.
‘We just hung in there. I’m so glad we did,? Violet said.
They married in 1950, and moved into a home Bob built on Walters Road in 1952.
It is the second marriage for both ? they were both too young for their first, they said ? and they came from different backgrounds.
“I had a big family and we were poor ? there were nine of us, Violet said. “He came from a middle class family, with three children.”
They raised four boys, Bob Kessley, Dan Waid, Cal Waid, and Nels Waid, and have about a dozen grandchildren and about five great grandchildren.
“They’re all really nice kids,” Bob said.
He was the first licensed builder in Clarkston, constructing houses, churches, and other buildings throughout Clarkston and Independence Township, as well as Holly and Davisburg.
Nels is also a master carpenter.
“I’m carrying on the legacy as a carpenter,” he said. ‘You never hear of anyone together for 60 years. It’s awesome, unbelievable.?