Marvin Oscar Bolland, age 89, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022, in Salem, Oregon. Marv was surrounded in his passing by his loving family, including his devoted wife, Beverlee Bolland.
Marv was born October 5, 1933, in Oregon City to Oscar and Erica Bolland.
Marv grew up in Canby on what is now Bolland Road, in a farmhouse with his mother, father, four sisters and one brother. Marv was an athlete and scholar lettering in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. He graduated from Canby Union High School in 1951.
Marv enlisted as a Morse code translator and message decipherer in the United States Army. He saw the world and our beautiful country during this time and would often speak of his time on various military bases around the world. As part of Marv's deployment, he was sent to Korea at the end of the formal Korean War in 1953. The document ending the conflict was signed while Marvin was en route via boat.
Following his deployment, he used his GI Bill to attend Pacific Lutheran University. At PLU, he continued playing Basketball and Football. His college era was a glorious time for Marv and he often told his sons stories of hitchhiking Portland to Tacoma and his various adventures along the way.
Marv graduated from PLU in 1958 and continued his service to the University as a member of the Board of Regents in the late 1980's.
After graduation he returned to Oregon, and found two of his greatest passions—meeting his wife Beverlee and graduating from law school in 1961.
Marvin met Beverlee– as one did during that time– at a dance at Willamette University in the Fall of 1958. They courted for a brief time and were married on November 25, 1959. The following years were challenging for the young couple as Marv worked securing land grants for Pacific Power and Light, traveling up and down the Northwest Corridor.
Marv was admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 1961, invited to partner in a legal firm with Harold Eichsteadt, and eventually formed the legal firm Eichsteadt, Bolland, Engle, Schmidman, and Rohrer.
Marv had several accomplishments in his legal profession, including being accredited by the International Relations Legal Board to practice Tax Law, Probate, and Estate Law. However, what Marv loved most about his legal profession was his clients. He represented the early grass seed industry and nursery industries by helping them with legal matters nationally and internationally. Marv continued to practice law for over 50 years.
Marv and Bev took on the world together, traveling internationally and working to better their community with various charitable contributions such as the House of Zion. They found a church home at Immanuel Lutheran Church during this time where Marv continued his service to Christ by teaching and leading community Bible studies.
In 1974, Marvin and Beverlee were blessed with a son, Samuel, and in 1980 another son Andrew, joined them. The family lived in a home off Elliott Prairie Road. Marv entered a new phase of his life as a small community farmer, mentoring and teaching his young sons while continuing to grow his legal practice.
Toward the end of Marvin's legal career, he worked for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Marv used his skills and knowledge, traveling the country and teaching churches to set up charitable trusts for students going to college and other philanthropic pursuits.
In most recent memory, Marv and Bev enjoyed many adventures traveling near and far, creating treasured family memories for their adult sons and young grandchildren. Marvin continued to serve Christ and mentor young people by leading chapel at Trinity Lutheran Church for ten years. Marv's strong faith in the Lord was evident even through his last days.
Marv was quick with witty, dry humor and full of advice to all who encountered him. He was a mentor and someone who could wear "The Best Dad Ever" tee shirt, knowing he was just that.
Marv is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beverlee; along with their sons Andrew and Samuel, their wives Emily and Jana, and grandchildren Kate, Jenny, Riley, Mason, James, Elijah, and Isaac. Marv is preceded in death by his grandson Anthony and they are now joyfully reunited in the presence of the Lord. Marv is also survived by his sister Marilyn Eby.
Knowing Marvin's heart for serving the Lord, the family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Union Gospel Mission or support for a missionary service furthering Christ's Word. Services are in the care of Simon Cornwell Colonial Chapel.