February 16, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
The family of Marvin Marklinger are sad to announce his passing on February 16, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Marvin was a small-town prairie boy, growing up in a family of nine children during tough times in the forties. As a boy, he quickly realized that with hard work and determination, money could be made by delivering water and newspapers. Often, he would take his siblings to the little theatre and help the family out.
As he grew so did his dreams, and in 1958 at 19 years old he moved to Williams Lake. Leaving his car to the family back home, he arrived with just a suitcase and a lot of ambition. Marvin worked as a logger for his uncle Dean Getz and partner Earl Peterson of San Jose Logging. Soon he mastered operating all of the logging equipment and became the 'go to guy' to get the job done.
It was at this time that Earl (who had become a good friend) and his uncle Dean set up a meeting between Marvin and Lorraine. Lorraine was also new to the area and knew the Peterson and Wells families and as they say, the rest is history.
After a few short years, Marvin decided to start his own business. Financing his first 950 Caterpillar loader, he began custom loading for local loggers and mills, a first in BC. Using his great talent, he quickly built a good reputation and gained respect in the local logging scene.
At this time, he was married to Lorraine with two young sons. It was a very busy time for Marvin and Lorraine. Instead of parking his loader during breakup, he purchased a bucket and began digging basements and excavating in and around town. The sixties and seventies were booming times for Williams Lake and Marvin grew the business with the purchase of 518 and 528 Caterpillar skidders, and a 966 loader.
Spending long weeks in logging camps, his determination was unmatched. Lorraine would have to 'hold down the fort' at home and try to control two energetic boys and a new daughter. On Fridays, home for the weekend, Marvin would get the weekly report from Lorraine and have to straighten out his boys, he always did this with some humour involved.
Marvin and Lorraine had a great relationship as a loving couple and life partners managing the business together. During this time Marvin spotted a property that he really liked, 161 Mile House on the Likely Road. There wasn't much left of the old stage stop, an old blacksmith shop, barn, bunkhouse and a small house all in ruin, but Marvin had a vision to build a country home to raise his young family.
With a lot of determination Marvin purchased the property in 1971. This is when the real work began for us kids, learning construction and fencing, attending the farm animals, and of course operating the equipment. During breakup, with the equipment at home, we would log on the homestead. In 1979, Marvin and Lorraine subdivided a piece of the property, using the equipment to develop the subdivision.
Marvin decided to retire from logging in 1981 and sold the equipment. His focus was to enjoy the life he had worked so hard for and to spend more time with the family. Unfortunately, a few short years later he would face his biggest challenge - cancer. After many extensive operations and Lorraine's 24/7 care, he managed to survive for another 29 years to enjoy his family and homestead at 161 Mile House.
On February 16, 2024 with his family by his side, our hero left this life to be with his saviour Jesus Christ. Marvin will always be remembered as a very stoic man of vision, faith, strength and courage, a loving family man.
Marvin is survived by his wife Lorraine, sons Ross and Regan, daughter Andrea, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all of whom he enjoyed and loved very much.
As per Marvin's request, a private family service was held.
Rest in peace Dad.