40th: Richard and Mary Hayward

The Clarkston couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary Wednesday with a family gathering in Clarkston.

Richard Hayward and Mary Maas were married May 16, 1978, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Beginning in 1976, Mary worked as a CNA in longterm care centers in Michigan, Alabama, Florida and Washington. She also worked as a medical assistant for three surgeons, as manager of an assisted living facility and now provides care in Clarkston to people with special needs.

Richard served as a U.S. Army MP in the Korea DMZ from 1974 to 1976. He worked as a major crimes detective for the city of Fort Lauderdale, and as a corrections officer in maximum security prisons in Alabama and Michigan before retiring.

She is a committeewoman for the Washington State Democrats Ninth Legislative District, while he is chairman of the Asotin County Democrats and serves on the Asotin County Planning Commission.

Mary says, "My passion is photography. I take my camera with me everywhere I go." She also enjoys hiking, traveling, baking and cooking. Richard assists his wife with her hobbies, as they make great memories together.

The couple have four sons, Richard, Justin, Scott and Shane; one daughter, Melissa; and six grandchildren.