Marvin A. Benson

Marvin A. Benson passed away on January 15, 2025.

Marvin was born on May 17, 1938, to Vernon and Esther Benson in Lynden, WA. He grew up having many adventures with his dog, Buster, including hunting and fishing together. Marvin was a skilled craftsman and built several boats, including his skiff, a ski boat, and a cabin cruiser.

After finishing high school, Marvin joined the Navy where he served as a boiler man on the destroyer, USS McGinty. Upon his return from the Navy, he went to Alaska, where he surveyed in the bush, flying with a bush pilot.

After his time in Alaska, Marvin returned to Washington and joined the Washington State Department of Transportation where he worked as a project engineer, overseeing many projects during his career.

Not wanting to leave his love of boats behind, he began boat racing, ultimately building his own boat in which he set the world record in 1977, followed by three world championships. From there, he built six more fiberglass boats taken from fiberglass molding he took from his wood boat. In 1983, Marvin sold the hydro and mold and started on the next phase of his life: flying.

Marvin began taking flying lessons while also restoring two Thunderbird cars and a 1938 Century speedboat. He acquired his first plane, followed by the Piper Aero. Marvin became president of the Fixed Base Operator at Bellingham International Airport and flew to the Arctic Circle three times, each time sleeping under the wing of the plane, renewing his love for Alaska. Amassing over 2000 hours of flying, he flew all over the country exploring.

His next chapter was RC Aeromodelling where he was an avid member of Bell Air Model Club and Yuma Aeromodellers. He was a busy man and had much to be proud of.

Marvin was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean.

He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Janice; two children, Marty and Julie; three grandsons; and siblings Judy and Roy.

A Celebration of Life honoring Marvin will be held on Saturday, January 25th at 11am at First Baptist Church, 110 Flora St. Bellingham, WA 98225.

If you are unable to attend Marvin's service in person, you may watch a Livestream of the service by clicking on this link.