Marlyn Ben Wall

Marlyn B. Wall was born March 13, 1927 in Great Deer, SK, Canada, to John C. Wall and Mary (Warkentin) Wall. He was the first of 9 children. He completed grades 1-12 at Clear Spring, a one-room schoolhouse, spent one year at Saskatoon Technical Collegiate Institute, and two winters at Bethany Bible School in Hepburn, SK.

In 1950, he married Nettie Nickel in Saskatoon, SK. They had over 75 years together as husband and wife.

In 1952, Marlyn earned his BSc in Electrical Engineering from University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. He was hired by Canadian Westinghouse, and worked in Hamilton, Ontario from 1952 to 1961. During that time, two daughters were brought into the family: Dianne in 1957 and Lynda in 1959.

In 1961, the family of four emigrated to the U.S., and Marlyn began his tenure with the Boeing Commercial Aircraft Company. He worked there, in electrical systems, from 1961 to 1989.

Marlyn enjoyed travel, and in retirement he and Nettie took many trips, often including family or friends. They helped and did many building projects at their children's homes, too.

Marlyn volunteered his time with SOWERS, Action International, Westminster Chapel men's ministries, and church mailing.

From 1988 to 1995, six grandchildren joined the family. Marlyn shared his love with each one. He often used his interest and skills in woodworking to do projects with the grandkids. He taught them skills, and he taught them character, by example.

Marlyn's faith meant a great deal to him; his approach to life and Christianity positively influenced countless people. He made a decision to accept the gift of new life through Jesus at age 11. In the years he lived in the U.S., he was a member of Shoreline Mennonite Brethren Church (which he helped build), and then Westminster Chapel in Bellevue, WA.

He is survived by his wife, Nettie. Surviving siblings are Albert Wall, Corny (Vi) Wall, Leslie (Julie) Wall, Selma (Len) Janzen, and Lewis (Ruby) Wall. Marlyn is survived by daughters Dianne (Carl) Wall-Gillikin and Lynda Wall, and by grandchildren Caitlyn Gillikin (Kristen Linck), Jay (Angie) Gillikin, Jesse Martin (Hyerim Cho), Kevin Gillikin, Ben Gillikin, and Wren Martin. He's also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law, Anne Gossen and Frieda Makaroff.

Predeceased relatives are Jacob and Grace Wall, Erma and Johnny Koluk, Clarence and Verna Wall, Sarah Wall, Mary Wall, Olga and Jake Jantz, Jake and Yvonne Nickel, Harvey Gossen, and Stuart Makaroff.

The memorial service will be held at Westminster Chapel, 13646 NE 24th St., Bellevue, WA, in the Fireside Room, on Tuesday, May 12, at 2:00 pm. Friends and relatives who cannot attend are invited to contact Marlyn's family for information on how to view a recording of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee (mcc.org) in memory of Marlyn B. Wall.