Marvin Raymond Thornby, 89, of Garrison, formerly of Bottineau, Lake Metigoshe, and Minot, went to heaven on June 8, 2024, while on hospice.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison, ND. Family will be greeting friends and family beginning at 10:00 AM.
Marvin was born on June 19, 1934, in Barton, ND. He was born upstairs of the post office building that still stands to this day. His parents were Oscar and Matilda Thornby. Oscar ran the hotel and gas station until moving to Minot in the 40’s.
Marvin married Janet Waterman in Minot, three sons were born of this union, they later divorced. Their sons are Craig, Keith, and Bruce. Bruce passed away January 28, 2009.
Marvin worked many jobs as a teenager, he made enough money by the age of 13 to buy his own car. Marvin went to college and studied business, eventually working for International Harvester. He was recruited by Massey Ferguson and became a district manager. He learned a lot about farm equipment. He worked a lot for Massey in Minot, Kenmare, and Bottineau. He became good friends with Jack Harris (Kenmare) and Joe and Mel that ran the Bottineau Massey Dealer. Marvin also worked in Williston for some time managing Tauro E Equipment.
Marvin later married Janet Mckechnie from Bottineau, she has four children, Cory, Mike, Jackie, and Susan, several nephews, nieces, and grandchildren. Marvin, Janet, and all of their kids had many fun times at their lake cabin in Sunset Bay Lake Metigoshe.
The love that Marvin had for his family is worth a great mention. He enjoyed the times his family would visit, ensuring that everyone would feel welcome in his home. He was a selfless man, making sure his family was always taken care of.
Marvin had a great passion for fishing and the outdoors, a passion that was instilled in his three boys, a passion that was passed down from his father Oscar. They enjoyed their time fishing whether it be summer fishing, or ice fishing in the cold winters. They enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, Devils Lake, and Lake Sakakawea.
Marvin enjoyed many years of golfing at Garrison where he became good friends with several of their patrons.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Craig (Judy) and their children, Jack and Jiselle, Keith (Tracey) and their children, Brandon, Whitney, and Mckenna; daughter-in-law, Myra Thornby and her children, Daniel, Keith, and Jamie; Janet’s children, Cory, Mike, Jackie, Susan and their families and many nieces and nephews.
Marvin was preceded in death by his children’s mother, Janet Waterman Gallagher; his beloved son, Bruce; parents, Oscar and Tilly; sister, Delphine Meiers, Delphine’s children are Becky Walsh and Steven Meiers, whom are still alive.
To view a livestream of the service, go to www.facebook.com/garrisonthompsonfh/ or to the Thompson Funeral Home-Garrison, ND Facebook page.
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