Obituary of Marvin Leslie Vipond

Marvin Leslie Vipond was born on April 23, 1949 in Dawson Creek. He was the second son to proud parents, Stan and Audrey Vipond of Rolla. He had four siblings: older brother, Art, and younger brothers Gene and Scott, and sister Lorna (aka Button or Magoo). The Vipond family farm was near Rolla and Marvin's younger years were spent living the country life learning the ins and outs of farm living. He learnt to be a hard worker and loved the serenity and atmosphere of rural living. Marvin was a proud big brother and helped his parents with caring for his younger brothers and sister. He enjoyed the company of family and friends and took every opportunity to go camping and fishing with them. Grandpa Tower was a favourite companion on camping trips. Marvin attended school grades 1 through 8 in West Pouce Coupe. Art recalls a neighbour, Myrtle Grove, heating bricks in the oven, placing them in a tub, and a cutter to clear snow and ice, and a horse would pull the kids to school. Marvin's junior and senior years were spent in Dawson Creek. Out of school, Marvin worked various jobs throughout his lifetime and was respected and recognized for his profound ability to do excellent work with his hands. His skills for auto body, carpentry, mechanics, plumbing, electrical, farming and woodwork, kept him employed and sought after in the work force. He enjoyed work and gained many friendships through his livelihood. Just as Marvin loved to work, he loved to play as well. He played baseball for the Rolla team and curled for years in Rolla and Dawson Creek. One of the curling teams was comprised of several of his brothers and Gene recalls a lot of curling which possible involved a beer or two! In September of 1973, Marvin married Linda Loroff. The marriage was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Tracy Lee in 1974 and Tanya Lynn in 1978. Marvin learnt quickly how to adapt from the changes of being raised in a house full of boys to living in a house full of girls. Marvin and Linda raised the girls in Dawson Creek and Arras where the girls spent a lot of time with their dad and nurtured their common love of horses. Throughout the course of his life, Marvin always remained close to his roots and to nature. He loved the outdoors and preferred to stay away from crowds and chaos. He had a wonderful compassion for nature and animals. He loved it when wildlife would roam freely on his land. It's almost like the wildlife knew he loved them, as numerous times mother deer and moose brought their babies into the yard where Marvin took pleasure in ensuring they weren't hurt or frightened off unnecessarily. Marvin had a love and passion for the old-fashioned way of life and living and often expressed views that things were simpler and better back then. He loved old western movies with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood in them and would always talk about the show Gunsmoke. I guess one day Marvin took his love of the western Silver Screen a little too far - he rode his horse to town and tethered it outside the saloon of the Dawson Hotel - just like in the movies! Needless to say, it didn't go over too well! Marvin spent many years on the Skyline farm in Rolla. He loved living on the farm where he was able to have his horses and his best bud, Rufus, close at hand. Like his father, Stanley, Marvin had a love of flowers and gardening and was proud of his green thumb abilities. He always made sure his yard and his garden was up to standard. He grew many of his own vegetables and fruits and always liked to have something homegrown in every meal. Marvin was living proof that bachelor meals can be top notch! Marvin loved to entertain with close friends and family. He loved wiener roasts via the campfire and enjoyed many laughs and stories with his guests. About three years ago, Marvin had a fall that injured his leg and after complications from the injury, was forced to amputate his leg. In the recovery process, Marvin's determination to not let the loss of his leg stop him from doing all of the things he loved to do and lived for, overcame all obstacles. Marvin continued to be actively involved in work and in play and was a testament to what willpower and determination is all about. Marvin accepted his situation bravely and honestly and did his best in an unideal situation. Marvin had many friends and acquaintances over the years, but had three special friends who were especially dear. Richard, Bob, and Keith were always there for Marvin. They were always lending a helping hand and were instrumental in Marvin's ability to remain living on the farm. Marvin was always very appreciative of their generosity and kindness and felt very fortunate to have such great friends. The boys were kept on their toes trying to keep up with the one-legged guy with all of the ideas and a stubborn streak that never slowed down! Marvin was strong willed, tenacious, and yes, Richard, he was stubborn - and no, Richard, it does NOT run in our family!! Marvin loved working in the fields on the farm and enjoyed the comradery angst the workers. He put off his back surgery to ensure he was able to be part of the seasonal farm work as he said he missed the year he lost his leg and didn't want to miss another one. It allowed him to be in the serenity of the land and nature- just where he was meant to be. Marvin was very proud of his girls and all of their accomplishments. He had admiration and respect for their choices and supported them in their lives. He was grateful of any chance to have his family together. He loved his grandchildren and always had stories about the kids and their "papa". His eyes would light up at the mere mention of the kids. Marvin loved having the children at the farm where he could share and nurture his love for the animals and nature with those he loved the most. Marvin was a loving, caring and compassionate person. He respected those less fortunate and didn't dwell on materialistic values. He had a genuine and sincere respect t for his elders and was eager to help anyone in need. He gave loving and gentle care to many in sickness, including his mother. On March 3, 2016 Marvin passed away, succumbing to serious complications of his diabetes. Marvin leaves to mourn his daughters Tracy and Tanya; grandchildren Alyssa, Kayla, Shelbie, Tayanna, Colton, Austin, and Sierra; great-grandchildren Tyson and Koda; brothers Art, Gene, and Scott; and sister Magoo; and a host of other family and friends, many of whom are here today. Marvin will be placed to rest in Rolla in the soil that was his heritage and in the company of his cherished parents, grandparents, and other family and friends. Although his time on earth is now over, his memory will never fade and while it hurts to say goodbye, the memories of our treasured time together will hold Marvin dear to our hearts. For it has been said that "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." We love you Marvin. Service 1:00 pm Monday, March 14, 2016 The Rolla Community Hall 5198 Rolla ROLLA, British Columbia, Canada Interment Rolla Cemetery Rolla ROLLA, British Columbia, Canada