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Submitted by Ken Wilbur Date Deceased: April 14, 2003, at age 66 Cause of death: Heart attack, possibly diabetes related, Portland Oregon Survived by: wife, Evie and her children, first wife, Joyce (Wimer) and their children Both Marvin and Evie were active members of the Sunnyside church in Portland, where Marvin's talent as an artist was much appreciated by the church family as well as the Milwaukie (New Hope) church, their previous church home. Marvin and I were born three days apart when our families lived in the St. Helens/Scappose area, so we have known each other all our lives.
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Ted Bair
Sweet ReconciliationIn 1993, we were living in Moberly, Missouri ~ ultra conservative, small town, rural Missouri. Our local SDA church was about what you would find there, very conservative. On one visit to Portland to visit my parents, we decided to attend the Milwaukee church to find out what this “Celebration” thing was all about.
When we arrived in the parking lot and were greeted the minute we opened the car door. We no sooner got into the lobby than I recognized Harley Clendenon. I walked over to shake his hand and said “Hey! I know you!” Then I heard a voice to my side say, “And what am I? Chopped liver?” I didn’t even have to look to tell it was Marvin! I had not heard that voice since before our graduation but 37 years had not changed it much. Then I got a huge bear hug from him and met Evie, his wife. We spent a few minutes reminiscing before worship and then we went in and found a seat.
Part of the worship experience was a “prayer garden” where church members went to the front of the church for prayer. We were trying to decide if we wanted to do this when that same voice to my side said, “It’s time we prayed together. Would you like to come?” Marvin and I had a stupid disagreement in our senior year and had not spoken since that time. What a sweet experience, reconciliation and praying beside an old friend.
Marvin shared an audio tape entitled “Set Free” with us. I don’t remember if he did any of the vocal parts. I remember he did sing in the choir at LA and played guitar. I do recognize the artwork on the front, human hands setting a bird free to fly.
We did stay in contact until his death. I thank God He gave us that worship experience together.
Ken Wilbur
What a wonderful, memorable experience.Thanks for sharing it. Ken
Ted Bair
Thanks for the photo.Ted