My friend Marvin Awbrey died. I loved him dearly. He was such a close friend that I could criticize him when we disagreed, but don’t you dare unless you loved him too!
He was my mentor. He taught me how to be a history consultant. He dedicated himself to all educational organizations especially history. He sent me tons and tons of picture and story emails that I was supposed to pass on. I seldom did, but they showed me that I was on his list. He loved me and thought about me every time someone sent him a chain email.
Marvin’s last few years were rough, but he did not complain.
His good friend and sometimes caretaker, Linda Boaen, said,
“It is a testament to my best friend Marvin Awbrey what a great person he was. We can all take lessons from his dignity. He let those he loved know it. He never ever complained through kidney transplant. Three bouts of cancer and all the treatments that go with it. Massive surgeries that would devastate most. He kept extremely busy with causes he believed in. He gave to all charities. And he forgave those who trespassed against him. He loved my children, David and my pets. He was a kind caring human that most will never encounter. I hope he knows how much we miss him.”
I will miss Marvin a great deal. We always went out for his birthday. He turned 78 on January 14th. I emailed him asking when we could go out for his birthday. He didn’t return the email. Sometimes people don’t. I emailed him about something else, and he didn’t respond to that either. Sometimes people don’t. I rarely called him. Cancer took his voice box. I called him and left a message. He didn’t call back. Sometimes people don’t.
He sent me and six others an email on January 13th. I finally emailed him back 22 hours before I heard that he was gone. It was about going to the doctor.
On the 23rd of January he sent his last email along with a personal message.
“Marsha happy new year dear friend! Can you forward the particulars for the SJCCSS Alcatraz visit? Can it be done in one day? I could use the minutes from the Reedley meeting, too. When is out meeting this month and where is it? I am feeling unconnected to SJVCSS and I don’t like that. Thanks, Marvin”
I replied back 11 hours later, and he didn’t write back. Sometimes people don’t. That’s rough!
I am blessed to have been his friend. I will miss him. I had fun with Marvin. This is rough.
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He sounds like a man in a million. You were privileged to know him!
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I was indeed. Thanks Yvonne.
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You were privileged to know this lovely man!
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Hugs. Beautiful post. My deepest condolences. What a gorgeous human being. All the best,
Autumn Jade
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Thanks, AJ. He was well loved in the social studies community nation-wide.
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Beautifully written Marsha! These words sum up what so many of us are feeling right now. And… thank you for being a passenger on my train.
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Same with you, Justin. You are a bright star!
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Beautifully written x
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Sadly missed by you MVBFM 😦
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Yes, as all my beloved friends are when I’m not with them.
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He sounds like he was a prince. Thank you for the tribute, and accept my condolences on your loss, Marsha. I know it’s tough, but he left you with many good memories.
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Thanks Cotton. He has left good memories for many.
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Very sad, I’m sorry for your loss – wonderful tribute.
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I’m sad for your loss, too. Love u!
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Very thoughtful and kind, thank you Marsha – it’s been a long couple of months.
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It has been. You are such a dear, and have such a sweet spirit. I hope you are ok. Take care.
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What beautiful memories you have to treasure. Marvin’s train must have been full to overflowing. He is an inspiration.
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I’m sure it was. He shared a lot about the many trips with friends and students. You would have loved him. He WAS the eternal traveler, and I bet he’s traveling right now!
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So sorry for your loss. I too have an elderly friend who was my mentor when I first started teaching- I’ve written about him a bit in my blog- M. Jerry Weiss. He lost his wife 2 years ago and I try to see him about once a month. It’s hard- he’s lonely and by 88 so many of his friends are gone or too invalid to what they used to do. I try to help but am busy with my own parents!
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It is hard. My parents are both gone, but time still gets away from us. Thanks for being such a dear!
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