Marvin L. Gray, 74, the only son of Clarence Gray and Mary McKay, passed to the next life surrounded by his loving family on Feb. 25, 2008.

Marv was born in Mount Vernon and spent most of his childhood in Sedro Woolley. His family moved to Sunnyside during his sophomore year where he later graduated in 1951.

After graduation, Marv entered the Coast Guard where he served in the Korean War. After discharge, Marv returned to Washington State and attended Central Washington State College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in education in 1959.

He met and married Patti May and had two children, Christopher and Carrie.

Marv started his teaching career in the Everett School District in 1959. In addition to being an industrial arts teacher, Marv coached track and cross country. He also taught driver’s education.

He lost his wife in 1973 and raised his two children as a bachelor father until meeting the love of his life, Kari Koppen, and marrying her in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 1978.

He received his master’s degree in counseling from Seattle University in 1980 and became a dedicated high school counselor until he retired in 1991. He loved teaching and counseling high school students.

Marv taught 32 years in the Everett School District before retiring in 1991 to enjoy his wife, children and grandchildren.

He and his wife resided most of the year at the family beach house in Freeland, where the family enjoyed many fun family gatherings and shared memories that will last a lifetime. Marv and Kari also spent a portion of their winter months in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Besides spending time with his family and friends, Marv enjoyed listening to jazz, fishing, crabbing, golf, and reacquainting himself with his classmates from Sedro-Woolley, class of ‘51. He was thrilled to go to their class reunion picnics in recent years and visiting with many of them throughout his retirement years. Sedro-Woolley had always held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his wife, Kari; son, Chris; daughter, Carrie (Tim) Braniff; and his grandchildren, Keane, Caelan and Mac Braniff; Jesse and Bryce Gray; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 30 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland.

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for Marvin Gray at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, PO Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109.