MARVIN VIEHBECK

Husband, Father, Teacher, Nature Lover, Friend
At his home, with his loving family by his side, Marvin passed through death, into eternal life, on Thursday, April 12, 2001.
Born in June, 1937 in Woodridge, Man., Marvin resided in remote railroad communities until high school age, at which time his family moved to the excitement of electric lights in Emo, Ont.
He graduated from Fort Frances High School, North Bay Teachers’ College, and Lakehead University. Following two years as teacher/principal at Burriss School, Marvin spent the next 35 years with the Port Arthur and Lakehead Public School Boards.
Marvin’s outstanding contributions as a truly dedicated teacher and facilitator of professional development were recognized by the Ontario Public School Teachers’ Federation, which bestowed upon him a coveted Life Membership Award.
Marvin was married to Barbara (Valley) Viehbeck, his beloved wife of 33 years, and was “father, friend, and hero” to Sarah and Davis, his two treasures. He was the much-loved master of his adored Bichon Frise, Ceilidh.
Family, home, and garden were his devotions.
In his healthier years, Marvin was an avid curler and fastball player, spending many years in the men’s commercial league. After being sidelined with arthritis, Marv contented himself as an enthusiastic coach for his children’s T-ball, soccer, baseball, and hockey teams, and became an ardent Whiskey Jacks fan.
A keen gardener, Marv spent many happy years of involvement with the Hymers Agricultural Society. He was a great lover of nature and the outdoors, and he and Barbara, and later his children, spent numerous hours fishing, hunting, and exploring.
As well, Marvin had a passionate interest in politics and sat on the executive of the Thunder Bay-Superior North Provincial Liberal Riding Association as chair of fundraising.
Mourning this great loss along with his loving wife and children are his mother, Veronique Viehbeck; sister, Gladys; brother, Allan and his wife, Celine, and children, Kyle and Anne; very special nieces and nephews, Kate, John, Maureen, and Neil McCartney, with their families; mother-in-law, Donalda Valley Murray; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Susan McCartney; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Myra Valley, and their children, John, Matthew, and Daniel.
He was predeceased by his father, Franz Xavier (Frank) Viehbeck in January, 1992; and his step father-in-law, John Murray, in January of this year.
Flowers are gratefully declined but Marvin’s special request was that anyone who feels able to do so might please donate a pint of blood. In his time of failing health due to cancer, several blood transfusions gave Marvin and his family the beautiful gift of extra time together, and he wished for others to have the same special opportunity.
For those who might choose to make a financial donation, Marvin asked that such be directed to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation, 290 Munro St., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7A 7T1.
The family appreciatively acknowledges the remarkable care, compassion, and guidance so generously provided by Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, Dr. Diana Bennett, and Dr. Afrodite Tsianou.
Cancer made Marvin their patient, but their warm hearts and sensitivity made him and his family their friends.
Deep and heartfelt gratitude is extended to them, and to countless other dear friends who offered encouragement, support, assistance, and endless prayers during this painful and difficult journey.
Throughout his illness, Marvin’s own positive outlook, composure, and quiet fortitude were inspirational for his wife and children, and they feel truly blessed to have shared life and love with him.
A Memorial Mass of the Resurrection celebrating the life of this wonderful man will be held Thursday, April 19, 2001 at 3 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church (664 Red River Rd.)
“To everything there is a season.”
–Ecclesiastes