CENTER — Timothy and Vivian Lobato, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary today. They were married in Center Colorado on June 27th, 1970 at St Francis Jerome Catholic Church. They both attended Center High School and met while picking potatoes in the San Luis Valley.

Vivian says Timothy flirted with her by throwing rotten potatoes at her, how romantic! Timothy is the son of Timoteo and Rose Lobato and Vivian is the daughter of Frank and Mary Arellano. Frank Arellano was one of the last Pearl Harbor Survivors in the Valley.

Timothy graduated from Center High School and Vivian graduated from Coronado High School in Colorado Springs Colorado. They moved to California in 1976 where they raised their two children Adam and Rachel. Timothy’s expertise as a building painter landed him a 35-year career at ROHR Industries (now BF Goodrich Aerospace) in Riverside. Vivian organizational skills guided her through various secretarial jobs in the Inland Empire including LULAC and eventually at Chaffey Community College as an Administrative Assistant for 23 years.

In 1995, Vivian was named Staff Member of the year at Chaffey. They are both active union members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the California State Employees Association respectively. Both Timothy and Vivian were vital contributors to their community. A born athlete, Timothy coached youth basketball at YMCA in San Bernardino and Reed Park in Riverside. A talented educator, Vivian taught Business Education classes in Redland and Fontana at Adult Schools as well as devoted her time to San Salvador Church teaching Catechism.

Both Timothy and Vivian were very involved in their children’s extracurricular activities. When their children danced, Vivian made costumes for Ballet Folklorico Mixquacalli while Timothy was an expert 30-second costume changer. They both assisted the Colton High School Marching Band as well as the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts of America. Their devotion to their children allowed their children to become skilled in their own right.

Adam was an Off-Broadway Performer in NYC and is now a Registered Nurse at Hospital For Special Surgery in NYC. And, Rachel is an Air Force Veteran who served during Operation Desert Watch. Both retired, Timothy competes in Century road bike races and Vivian is an artist with the needle and thread. They continue to reside in Grand Terrace California where they take care of their doggies Mugs, Matty, and Pru.