Marvin Weisbart

Marvin had a happy childhood. For his first 6 years, Marvin shared his bedroom with Papa Sam, Betty's father. Marvin was crazy about Papa Sam. Then, while he was growing up, Marvin made several lasting friends, including Ronnie, Harry, Barry, Larry, Buzin, Ralph, and Jack. Harry, especially, remained Marvin's very close friend throughout his life.

Marvin graduated from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, CA, in 1953. He attended Los Angeles City College, completing their two-year program in 18 months. He then transferred to UCLA where he graduated in 1957 with a B.S. in business administration. He passed the CPA Exam the same year. He later attended the San Fernando Valley Law School and passed the bar in 1970. After passing the bar, he joined Toastmasters to become a better and more persuasive public speaker. He attained the level of Competent Toastmaster.

In 1957, Marv began a series of jobs in accounting firms and as Comptroller in private industry. In 1967, he changed his career path to the public sector and began working for the Internal Revenue Service. He rose quickly through senior Revenue Agent status, attaining his GS-14 and GS-15 ratings by 1974 and 1975--the shortest period of time to date.

In 1973, Marvin was one of 10 individuals selected from thousands of applicants government-wide for a fellowship program at the University of Washington in Seattle. The program was sponsored by Education for Public Management. He received his full salary and expenses during this time and took a variety of courses of his choosing.

When Marvin's world began filling up with children, he realized how much he loved being with the younger family members. His nieces Sharon, Wendy, Denise and Danielle began arriving in 1947; his daughter, Jennifer Rachel, in 1970; his grandnephews, Mike and Matt, in 1978; his grandnieces Kelly, Lisa, and Kaiulani in 1980; and his grandchildren, Max and Olivia, in 1997. He thrived on them. He loved playing games with them (especially Password) and taking them to Toys R Us whenever he came to town.

Marvin married Monica Stellert in 1964, and from that marriage his daughter was born. He was very excited about being a father and meticulously attended birthing classes with Monica. In fact, he was in the delivery room and was the one to catch their baby as she was being born. They named their baby Jennifer Rachel. He spent a great deal of time with her during her early years, even so far as going to her school and spending the day with her in the classroom, even when he lived clear across the country.

Jennifer moved in with Marvin in 1980, and they became closer still, with Jennifer being his little cowgirl. Together, they went country dancing, attended concerts, and sang country and folk songs. He took care of her during her years of illness, taught her to follow his healthy living habits, and how to manage money. He also financially supported her in her continued scholarly achievements. He was very proud of her and all that she has accomplished.

With Marvin's second marriage to Carolyn Bell in 1989, he was given another daughter: Carolyn's daughter, whose name is Jennifer Beth. His household suddenly doubled in size, from 2 cats and 2 people, to 4 cats and 4 people--two of whom had the same name. It was very confusing, but somehow they not only survived, but thrived.

With this family, he regularly played Bridge, Password, and Trivial Pursuit. He also often took them all out for family dinners. However, in order to agree on the restaurant, they had to complete a complex matrix system each time. This often resulted in laughter and tears, with usually no one having his or her first choice. However, in this manner an agreement or compromise was always reached.

As everyone knows, Marvin loved his pets. He had a series of dogs while growing up, including a special black mutt named Prince. After he was first married, he somehow ended up with a St. Bernard that he name Petronella. After Petronella had puppies, he ended up with Petronella II. Later in life, his daughter and stepdaughter had several cats, which to his great surprise, he grew to love. When he died, he left behind four very loving pets: 3 dogs (Boychic, Baby Boy, and Mitzi) and 1 cat (Precious Jewel). He loved them all unconditionally, as they did him.

Marvin was also a great cook. No one could equal his crepes or his cheesecake. Invitations to his "5 Kinds of Pancakes" breakfasts were prized.

Marvin's IRS career eventually brought him to a management position with the Las Vegas Appeals Office. He retired from that office in January 2001, after 34 years of service. He enjoyed his retirement immensely with his wife, Carolyn, by betting on the horses regularly; going to movies and musical presentations several times a week; and by taking his dogs to the dog park almost every day.

Marvin's illness was quick and surprising. He left us much too soon and much too suddenly. But he was not upset, worried, or afraid of dying. He felt his life had been very good and fulfilling. He was concerned only about his family and the grief they would share. But he also knew that we are strong, we are a close and loving family, and together we will remember Marvin and his loving and generous spirit, until the day that each of us takes the journey to join him.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Jennifer; his stepdaughter, Jennifer; his sister, June; many nieces, grandnieces, and grandnephews; as well as three grandchildren: David, Max, and Olivia.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Summerlin-Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.