Fair brings back 31 years of memories for Puyallup couple

The aroma of scones and elephant ears, the sights of the livestock displays and the carnival rides bring back fond memories of the Washington State Fair for most.

For Puyallup residents R.D. and Jeni Willis, the Fair marks something even more special.

Thirty-one years ago, Sept. 23, 1984, the couple had their first date at what was then named the Puyallup Fair. The pair say they fell in love on the Rock-O-Plane carnival ride.

“We love the fair,” R.D. said. “It’s such a great memory for us. It’s been a special place for us.”

As both Jeni and R.D. are Washington State University grads, they originally got to know each other driving back and forth between Pullman and Puyallup.

Two months after their first date, the couple wed on Dec. 31, 1984.

Now, every year for the anniversary of the first date, the couple heads back to the Fair.

“It’s changed a lot since then,” R.D. said. “But the old classics are still here. We always visit the Young Life Teriyaki booth, Hobby Hall, the animals, and the rides.”

After their first date, both R.D. and Jeni agreed that they just knew each other were “the one.”

“We wanted to spend all of our time together,” R.D. said.

“We both knew each other came from good families,” Jeni added.

The couple hurried to the alter shortly after, as R.D. was planning on driving up and down the West Coast, stopping in every town that had a TV station looking for a job.

Ironically, after the couple got hitched, R.D. was offered a freelance job with NBC sports, allowing the couple to stay in their hometown.

“This is our hometown,” Jeni, 52, said. “Both of our families are here, it made more sense for us to stay in Puyallup.”

Jeni got a job as a teacher as a third-grade teacher at Fruitland Elementary, and the family has stayed in Puyallup ever since. The couple had two children; a daughter, Austen, and a son, Aaron, who are both now in their mid-twenties.

Two children and 31 years later, the couple agreed that their secret to a happy marriage is communication. Laughter, respect and patience is what keeps the two together.

“More importantly, she puts up with me,” R.D. quipped. “She has a great sense of humor.”

As a photographer and editor for NBC sports, R.D. is often on the road following the Seahawks from game to game. But when the couple is together, both say they make the most of the time.

“Being with your best friend is easy,” 53-year-old R.D. said. “We don’t let the trivial things get in between us.”

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Fair brings back 31 years of memories for Puyallup couple."