Jeff and Sandy Hinz

Jeff and Sandy Hinz, former residents of Great Falls, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar, Minn., on Feb. 18, 1967. They celebrated their golden anniversary with a trip to New York City, attending “The Book of Mormon” and “Hamilton,” sightseeing and dining at several special restaurants.

Jeff and Sandy lived in Great Falls for 34 years, where Jeff was a dedicated pediatrician at the Great Falls Clinic and Sandy was employed in the nonprofit sector and served two terms on the Great Falls City Commission. After retirement in 2013, they moved to Bend, Oregon. They’re enjoying travel, golf, birding, exercise and many lifelong learning opportunities offered through the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. A priceless gift is spending time with their fabulous kids and grandkids.

Jeff and Sandy are blessed with a loving family: son Tony, his wife Claudia and their three children, from Bend, Oregon; son Sam, his wife Kathy and their three children, from Gig Harbor, Wash.; and son Lucas, his wife Katarina and their three children, from Chicago. The family cherishes the summer gatherings at the Hinz cabin on Montana’s Flathead Lake.

When asked if there’s a key to a long, happy marriage, they will answer: giving fairly, forgiving freely and evolving together. Love is a gift.