Marvin taught in high schools ranging from Barriere, Clearwater and Abbotsford, BC to Prairie High School in Three Hills, Alberta. He also substitute-taught in many schools in the Fraser Valley. He continued to tutor in his retirement.
During his career, he had the chance to impact thousands of students, teaching many different subjects, but certainly shining most when building student’s math skills and possibly even communicating some of his intense love for the subject. Blessed with an excellent memory, he memorized names and birthdays of his students and would remember them years later.
Marvin also held jobs as a security guard, church custodian and farmer. He developed and managed a campsite and trailer park in Birch Island, BC, learning the skills necessary to clear land, build roads, dig wells, construct buildings and wire electrical systems.
Around 14 years old, Marvin accepted Jesus as his Saviour at Yarrow MB. A few years later he was baptized in a creek behind the family farm fondly called “the Jordan.”
He was deeply involved in each of the churches he attended. He led a youth group, served as lay preacher for German worship services, taught Sunday school classes and repeatedly served as treasurer.
Marvin loved to read. He collected and catalogued some 5,000 books. For decades, he read the Bible twice a year and a Dickens novel each Christmas. He relished a good math book and spent countless evenings solving equations for fun. Marvin also found joy in his jogging regimen and competitive games of chess and table tennis.
Failing health forced moves to Abbotsford, including to Bevan Lodge. The staff there took excellent care of Marvin. He passed away peacefully February 25, 2018.
He is predeceased by his parents John and Katie and brothers Elmer and Will. He leaves behind his wife Marian; siblings and their spouses Rose Janzen, Esther Janzen, Eleanore and Bernhard Harder, Alvin and Sonja Janzen, Ben and Jenny Janzen and David and Jeannie Janzen; sons- and daughters-in-law Mark and Bonny Janzen, Marlon and Rochelle Janzen and Marshall and Shiya Janzen; and eight grandchildren.
