Marvin is shown above in a photo I took at a Senior Citizens Luncheon on March 15, 2005.
MARVIN ALLEN NELSON FAIRFAX — Marvin Allen Nelson of Fairfax Vt. died Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, in Fletcher Allen Health Care. He had spent the day visiting with dear friends, the Bentleys and the Bakers, and speaking at length on the phone with his brother Rodger. He died peacefully after a full day. Marvin was born in Taylor Falls, Minn. on Feb. 11, 1926, to the late George R. and Helen (Johnson) Nelson. He grew up in the small Swedish community of Almelund with his brothers Luther and Rodger and sister Elaine. His faith was an important part of his life. Upon graduation from high school Marvin joined the U.S. Marine Corp. He fought in the Pacific Theatre at Guadalcanal and participated in the invasion of Okinawa on Easter Sunday, 1945. He was wounded on May 2, 1945, and was treated on a hospital ship. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered he began to do what he would all his life: share support. He walked around the ship and visited with other wounded soldiers, lending comfort where he could. He was also part of the occupation of China. He was awarded a Purple Heart and was discharged in 1946. His war experiences had a profound influence on his life. Marvin was proud of his service in the Marines yet remained committed to working for a world of peace in which “they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their swords into pruning hooks.“ After returning from the war he lived on the family farm for awhile, traveled in Europe, and then spent the remainder of his life traveling about the northeast, logging and sugaring with horses. He made many lasting friendships through his work. Marvin was a man of profound faith in god. He lived out his faith through his love of children and respect for the natural world. A small man, he had a gentle way with the large workhorses he handled and loved. He led a simple life, owned few things, and had little concern for material things. He used most of the little money he had to sponsor children through various aid agencies. Proud of his Swedish heritage, he enjoyed telling stories of his Grandfather Nelson. Marvin rarely missed a sporting event at BFA Fairfax and especially enjoyed helping out at the Fairfax relay race which will be dedicated to him this year. Every one knew the little man who helped out when needed. Marvin always had an Ole and Lena joke to tell, a piece of Juicy Fruit to give, and a good story to share. He will be deeply missed by all who came to know and love him. He is survived by his brother Rodger; several nieces and nephew; all the children he has sponsored; and all the friends he leaves behind, especially the Bakers, the Bentleys, the residents of Mountain View senior housing, and Izzy, Jenell and Paul Gamm, and his pastor Rev. Elizabeth. He was also predeceased by his brother Luther and his sister Elaine Anderson. No public visiting hours will be held. A memorial service celebrating Marvin's life will be held at the United Church of Fairfax on Wednesday Sept. 20, at noon with the Rev. Elizabeth Griffin officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be at the convenience of the family and at the Veteran's Cemetery in Randolph, Vt. with full military honors he so well deserves. Memorial contributions in Marvin's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice benefiting children. Those who wish may forward online condolences by visiting
www.awrichfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St. Fairfax, Vt. 05454. [/b]
