January 14, 1937 – February 25, 2018

Marvin John Janzen was born on January 14, 1937 in Sardis, BC to John C. & Katie Janzen. Around 14 years old, Marvin accepted Jesus as his Saviour at Yarrow MB Church. A few years later he was baptized in a creek behind the family farm fondly called "the Jordan."

He married Marian Neufeld in 1958 and raised three sons. Mark (Bonny) Janzen, Marlon (Rochelle) Janzen, Marshall (Shiya) Janzen.

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.

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.

Marvin was predeceased by his parents John and Katie Janzen and brothers Elmer and Will. He leaves behind his wife Marian; siblings and their spouses Rose Janzen, Esther Janzen, Eleanore & Bernhard Harder, Alvin and Sonja Janzen, Ben and Jenny Janzen and David and Jeannie Janzen; sons- and daughters-in-law Mark & Bonny Janzen; Marlon & Rochelle Janzen; Marshall & Shiya Janzen; and eight grandchildren: Cathy (Jono) Hunter; Rebecca; Allan, Kyle, Raylin, Samuel, Luke, and Kaius Janzen.

Funeral service at Yarrow M.B. Church and burial at Yarrow Cemetery were Saturday, March 3, 2018.

Pallbearers were: Mark Janzen, Marlon Janzen, Marshall Janzen, Jono Hunter, Allan Janzen, Kyle Janzen. Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Marvin John Janzen 2018.

The family sends special thanks to the staff at Bevan Lodge for their excellent care of Dad.