Rest Peacefully, Marv ☆

So some of you know that while we were on our February vacation, a good friend of my family passed away. Marvin "Marv" DeMaadg, went to be with his Lord at age 92. This man was full of wisdom, knowledge, compassion and love. Marv was our neighbor, and we grew up getting to know him, learning from him, and becoming friends with him, and his wife, Peg. 


My brother and I, Noah, were involved with the Barry County Fair 4-H clubs for 10 years. I showed dogs, pigs, and steer. Marv was a huge part of making my experience with my steer, Earl, a success. I believe he was 86 when I raised Earl...and he was still out to the barn each day, giving me advice and helping out. He was an amazing man, full of energy, even at his age...
 


When we attended an old church, Marv and Peg joined us for a couple of Sunday's. They were like our grandparents, always there, always loving. Some people actually called them my Grandpa and Grandma, that didn't know they were our neighbors :) There was one Sunday though, where Marv needed medical attention, and it was so very scary for all of us. I didn't want anything to happen to him, I didn't want to lose him then. Even that day didn't prepare me for actually losing him sometime down the road.


Marv's health started declining a couple years ago, or so. He was still out doing chores, and still helping my mom with things around the barn, but his energy was draining. I had graduated high school and my life was changing, going in different directions. I didn't see Marv much, hardly ever, and that is something I will always regret. 


BUT, you're not on this blog to read about how bad Marv's health was at the end of his life. You're hear to read about a man that changed lives, a man that changed MY life.


Besides the little things I took from Marv, like eating a handful of almonds and drinking ONE glass of RED WINE each night is actually good for you, or that hard work pays off...Marv taught me about the Love of Jesus Christ. I got the privilege of attending the baptism of Marv in October 2010. He was the oldest one there, in a room full of children, and he was so very excited, you could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He was baptized as a child, but wanted to reaffirm it as an adult. It was an honor, being a part of something so special to him, and I will always treasure that memory.  


Marv contracted Pneumonia and his kidneys were shutting down, which ultimately took his life on February 9, 2012. Being away, his death didn't feel real to me. I finally got to talk to my mom three days later, and that's all it took to realize that Marv wouldn't be there when we get back, this was in fact, reality, and Marv is now with Jesus Christ, without pain, and without suffering.


Long story short, Marv meant a lot to me, my family, my mom, his friends, our neighbors, and his family. I feel so blessed to have known him, and I know that I will carry a piece of Marv with me, for the rest of my life.


Below are a few pictures, of the old days. The first two are Marv and I (and Earl.) They are the only pictures I have with/of him, and I will cherish them, always. 


I wish I could write more...about his legacy and the knowledge that he shared, but the main thing you should know...is that he loved his Lord and Saviour very much, and Marv is up in Heaven right now, looking down on us, and watching over us.


A special prayer goes out to Marv's wife of 63 years, Peg. May the Lord give her peace in Marv's passing, and even though it's hard for us left here on Earth, may Peg be comforted knowing that she will see Marv again! Hallelujah! 

If you read this all the way to the bottom, THANK YOU, I appreciate you caring enough. I count myself lucky to have known such a wonderful person of God. Thank you for reading my tribute to Marv! This goes to show that even when we have a lifetime with someone (63 years!) or even when someone is 92 years old...it's never enough time. So...make sure you hug your loved ones, make sure they know you love them, because you could go on vacation, and never see them again.


WE LOVE YOU MARV. REST PEACEFULLY. :)