Marv and I became friends in the mid 1990s, during my pastorate at a church in Renton. He was the chair of our church during a difficult season for the church and for me. We spent many hours together in conversation and prayer. I will always remember and cherish Marv as a loyal, caring friend in need who showed himself to be a friend in deed--a man of genuine, Christ-like strength who reflected the gentleness of Jesus. I witnessed that quality of character in the love he had for his family and in the way he conducted himself in all his relationships.

Marv and I found a common bond, not only in our faith and commitment to Christ and His church, but we also shared a love for airplanes. A special moments was when Marv, Nathan and I witnessed the maiden flight of Boeing’s New Generation 737-800. .... We will meet again.

Pastor Ray

Marv was a volunteer in my kindergarten classroom at Meridian Elementary and particularly enjoyed working with my students on math skills.  The students were instructed to call Barb and Marv "Mr. and Mrs. Kleven."  One day he called one of my students up to work with him.  The student said "please don't call me by my first name, please call me Mr. [last name]."  Marv got such a kick out of the fact that one of my students wanted to be called by his last name that he continued to call him that for the remainder of the year.

Marv was such a caring and wonderful role model for the students in my classroom.  Each day the students would say "thank you Mr. and Mrs. Kleven" in unison as Barb and Marv left the classroom and would ask frequently about when they would return.

Marv, room 109 will miss you a great deal!  Thank you for everything and for truly making a difference in 20 little lives this year. 

Marv was not my dad, he was not my uncle or even my brother.  Marv was my friend.  I met Marv almost 7 years ago when I was first paralyzed.  He came to visit me in my hospital room at the VA hospital in Seattle.  Instantly a friendship begin to kindle.

It's funny how the Lord works.  A friend of mine from my church in Emmett, Idaho knew a Pastor in Seattle...and he called him and asked if he would come and visit...which he did.  Only a meeting the Lord could orchestrate....the Pastor just happen to pastor the church where Marv & Barb attended.   

Soon, one Sunday after church he brought is lovely wife Barb to meet me.  He must of thought I was pretty special to introduce me to his wife...Barb is so very kind and very sweet.

When my wife came to Seattle to accompany me home I thought I would return the favor and introduce my wife to him.  Yep...I thought he was pretty special too.  My wife and I accompanied Marv & Barb to a local restaurant.  Marv & I had the trout.

Every year when I went to Seattle I would give them a call and let them know I was coming.  They would always come and visit me even after Marv retired.  I so enjoyed our visits and the stories Marv would tell.  This is one friend I will miss very much.  I am stunned that he is no longer here. My trips to Seattle every year will no longer be the same.

Few times in life do we have the fortune of knowing someone so special.  Marv...I will never forget...and one day I will see him again.

God bless all of you.