One of my favorite Monongah High graduates, Goldie Basagic Huffman, Class of 1974, and one of my favorite retirees, a coal miner, John Huffman, are celebrating their 41^st wedding anniversary today.

Goldie wrote:

“I can't believe it has been 41 yrs. Time has been going too fast.

“But what great things that have happened in those 41 yrs. Two great children (Erik and Brooke) and 7 beautiful grandbabies (Avery, Winnie, Jackson, Maggie, Riley, John and Brynlynn.

“Couldn't ask for anything better. Love you, John. Couldn't have made it without you.”

John retired in 2014 after 38 years of putting his life on the line every day to support his family.

Since my father, John W. Olesky, Sr., survived TWO cave-ins that covered his body with at least 4 feet of coal, I have tremendous respect for anyone with the guts to go into the mines.

Before marrying John, Goldie grew up in the coal-mining Basagic family so she has waited at home prayerfully and fearfully for nearly all of her life.

Goldie once worked for the federal government

Since I also have seven grandchildren, I know the joy that Goldie shares in that situation. I also have two great-grandchildren. Still have to catch me in that category, Goldie.

Brooke Pethel, Goldie Huffman’s daughter, wrote:

“I am so proud of my father! For 38 years he provided for his family, put two children through college and supported us in our decisions throughout our lives. We love you, dad!”

Brooke is married to Adam Pethtel.

Goldie and John’s son, Erik Huffman, is married to Katie, who provided Goldie & John with 5 grandchildren.

Goldie once was a Monongah High cheerleader alongside Barbra Eller Aldridge Hanning, Class of 1974; Patty DeMary Evans, Class of 1972; Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973, Monongahfest president married to Monongah Mayor Greg Vandetta, Class of 1975; and Debbie Basagic Bragg, Class of 1972.

Brenda Manzo, a Fairmont East High grad who is married to Danny Manzo, Class of 1957, wrote:

“Happy Anniversary, Goldie and John. You are two very special people. Enjoy your year and all the many more years to come. I hope we are here to celebrate your 50th.”

Julius Basagic is Class of 1945.

Goldie Basagic Myers is Class of 1943.

Hassan Basagic, Class of 1963, attended the 2013 Monongah High Alumni Reunion with Marlene Sandy.

Hassan Basagic, Jr., Class of 1941, passed away in 1980.

John Basagic is Class of 1966.

Bruce Basagic is Class of 1969.

Debra Basagic Berry is Class of 1970.

Pete Basagic is Class of 1972.

Sandra Basagic, after Parkersburg High, Fairmont State and West Virginia University, works for the Marion County Board of Education, is married and lives in Fairmont.

Cathy Basagic, Fairmont State catering programs coordinator, is from Rachel and lives in Monongah.