By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
On any given back road winding through the foothills or mountain passes of Oregon, you might spot a familiar sight: a couple pulling off to the side of the road, camera in hand, pausing not just to capture the landscape, but to savor the moment together.
For Nick and Karla Boren of Lebanon, these quiet pauses – whether in nature, on a stage, or in service to others – have defined nearly five decades of marriage built on faith, curiosity, and mutual support.
Married in May of 1978, Nick jokes they are “almost to the silver,” but the easy laughter and shared purpose between them suggest a relationship that continues to grow stronger with time. Together, they have raised four children – three sons and a youngest daughter – and now enjoy the blessings of four grandchildren.
A Blind Date That Changed Everything
Nick and Karla met the way many lasting love stories begin: unexpectedly.
Their first meeting was at a blind-date barbecue arranged by Nick’s sister-in-law, who invited Karla along with the hope that the two might hit it off. They did.
Karla had grown up in Rupert, Idaho, where her father was a dentist, and she followed in his footsteps, working for him while still in high school and later becoming an expanded-function dental assistant.
Nick’s childhood took him across Montana and Colorado before he graduated from high school in Polson, Mont. After graduation, he moved to Idaho for work, eventually finding employment at a J.R. Simplot potato processing plant.
After marrying, the couple lived in Burley, Idaho, before moving to Oregon in 1988 – a move that would shape the next chapter of their lives.
Work, Faith, and a Life Well Lived
Nick’s career path was varied and steady. In addition to factory work, he drove a beet truck and served as a school custodian.
Once in Oregon, he began working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first as a custodian and later as a mechanic. For 31 years, he traveled extensively – covering areas from eastern Oregon to the coast – maintaining church buildings and quietly serving behind the scenes.
Photography, however, was a passion that stayed with him from his teenage years. He began taking photos in high school, even shooting images for his school and town newspapers and learning how to develop film in a darkroom. By the early 1990s, Nick had grown into a professional photographer, capturing weddings, families, seniors, and wildlife. However, his heart belongs to landscape and macro photography.
“I like to be out in nature,” Nick said, “and take photos out in the woods, lakes, streams, and waterfalls.”
Seeing the World—Together
Over time, Karla joined Nick behind the camera.
He is quick to praise her talent: “Karla is a good photographer too. She has a good eye, and we enjoy going out together.”
Their photography outings are often paired with long drives through wildlife refuges, country roads, and mountain passes. For Nick, those outings have taken on deeper meaning.
“It is a stress reliever for me,” he said. “Especially getting outdoors. Lately I feel like the Lord has been whispering to me, ‘Don’t concentrate on the pictures as much—just enjoy the experience.’ If you get the pictures, that’s great, but it’s the experience of being with your spouse, being outdoors, and enjoying God’s creation.”
That shared experience – more than the image itself – has become central to their time together.
From the Audience to the Stage
While photography became a shared passion, theater began as Karla’s world alone. Though she had always wanted to perform, she lacked the confidence to pursue drama in high school. That changed in 2014, when she joined LAFTA in Lebanon in her debut performance in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
From there, her theater journey flourished. She performed in “Mary Poppins” with LAFTA, “Seniors of the Sahara” with Albany Civic Theater. She also performed in a dinner-theater murder mystery called “Murder at the Pie Auction” held at the American Legion that raised funds for air conditioning at a local nursing home.
More recently, Karla appeared in “Fiddler on the Roof” with Serve Inc. Theater in Albany, a role that, she said, held special meaning for her.
“I loved being Grandma Tzeitel, it was so fun,” Karla said. “But one of the best things I’ve ever done was “The Innkeepers.” We have met some amazing people, and it has really touched us both deeply.”
Nick, however, was not initially enthusiastic.
A quiet introvert, he once told Karla, only half joking, “I’d rather die than be on stage.”
Stepping Into Each Other’s World
Just as Karla had embraced photography for Nick, Nick eventually stepped into theater for Karla. In 2023, she convinced him to join her as one of the leads in the SHOCASE production of “The Innkeepers” in Sweet Home. They have now performed the show for three years, with a total of 10 productions.
“Now that I’ve done it,” Nick said, “I can understand why she loves it. This is way out of my comfort zone, but I do it because of the story. It’s about our Savior and His birth – and there aren’t many speaking parts.”
Karla is proud of him.
“Theater is a lot of work, especially musicals,” she said. “But this one was time well spent. I’m really proud of him for being willing to do it.”
Their willingness to embrace each other’s passions has strengthened not only their marriage, but their individual confidence and growth.
Serving Side by Side
Service has always been a shared value for the Borens. Since 2015, they have volunteered regularly at the Lebanon Soup Kitchen, located at First Christian Church. They first became involved after one of their sons encouraged them to volunteer – and they stayed long after he moved on.
Initially helping with cooking, they now assist with sorting clothing, shoes, blankets, gloves, hats, toiletries and putting together hygiene kits for people. They will take large containers of wet tipes and divide them up into smaller packs to distribute.
They have kits that come in from other churches they have to sort and distribute. The Gideons also donate Bibles that they give away. Recently, they helped unload and distribute more than a ton of donated dog food from local businesses and fire stations.
The soup kitchen serves more than 100 people three evenings a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – offering hot meals, donated groceries, and a welcoming environment.
“It’s not just for people who are houseless,” Karla emphasized. “It’s for anyone. Some people are just lonely and want to share a meal. All are welcome. Families are encouraged to come.”
Nick and Karla are careful to credit the many businesses, churches, and individuals who donate food and supplies. “There are so many generous people,” Karla said. “I hate to single anyone out because I know we’ll forget someone.”
A Call to Get Involved
Karla encourages others, especially retirees, to find ways to serve.
“We’re retired, so we have time,” she said. “But even if you can’t volunteer physically, you can donate money or supplies. There is always something that needs to be done. Helping makes you feel better because you know you’re doing something that matters.”
Still Chasing Adventure
Beyond service and the arts, the Borens share a love of adventure. For five years, they crewed hot air balloons with Mark Trujillo before stepping back, due to the physical demands. This was one of their favorite eras due to the adventures had, the friends made, and the photos taken. Even through they are no longer pulling the crown line of a hot air balloon, they still travel widely – through the United States, Europe, on cruises, or simply along Oregon’s back roads, always ready for the next adventure and the next shared memory.
Nearly 50 Years—and Still Growing
After almost 49 years together, there is still a sparkle between them. Karla credits humor and humility. “We joke around and make each other laugh,” she said. “Being quick to forgive and say you’re sorry is important too.”
For Nick, the foundation is faith. “Honestly, our faith in God has a lot to do with it,” he said. “The covenants we’ve made with each other – and with God– are the key.”