Marvin Jay Thompson

July 5, 1965 - August 14, 2015

Our loving husband, father, son, and friend left us too soon the morning of August 14, 2015. Marvin Jay Thompson passed away unexpectedly while visiting his home of origin in Payson, Utah. He was fifty years old. Born and raised in the West Mountain area, Marv learned the value of hard work while growing up on the family farm. This work ethic served him well throughout his life in the many endeavors he pursued. From the time he was in elementary school he enjoyed playing baseball, and his love for sports developed throughout his youth as he excelled in basketball, tennis, and golf. After graduating from Payson High School in 1983, he worked at the Leland Mill until he received a mission call to Barcelona, Spain in 1984. After serving 26 months, he returned home and began attending The Tech (now Utah Valley University) where he studied business and accounting. In the late eighties, Marv worked for Fred Meyer Inc. as the Loss Prevention Manager in Spanish Fork and later took a position at the Logan, Utah store. There he met Christine Cluff who had recently been transferred from the Yakima, Washington location. The two dated for a year and were married in the Logan Temple June 19, 1992. During their first years of marriage, the couple lived in Springville while Chris finished her teaching degree and Marv certified as a journeyman plumber. They moved to Spanish Fork in 1995 and have resided in the Red Pines neighborhood ever since. Marvin was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life and loved the Savior with all his heart. His fervent testimony, warm smile, and ready handshake made all feel welcomed and accepted. While his favorite calling in the church was that of primary teacher, he was currently serving as the Red Pines Ward Bishop—a position he held with honor, integrity, and compassion. He loved the opportunity to serve the good people around him, offering his time and talents to those in need. Many in the ward will remember him for his helpful plumbing fixes, walk-around-the-block visits, strong bear hugs, and his simple sermon: “Prayer is always the right answer to any question.” He was an excellent teacher and beloved leader who will be missed dearly. When he could break away from his own plumbing business, Marv enjoyed hunting and golfing with family and friends. Getting out in nature offered him an escape from the everyday responsibilities that weighed on him, and he always returned smiling, ready to push through another day. Though his wife and children are devastated by the realization that Marv will not return from his last outing, they have full confidence that their forever family will be reunited in the hereafter. Marv, you are loved and respected by so many. May your example and legacy of faith live on through those of us who were blessed enough to know you and call you Friend. Marv is survived by his wife Chris and their three children: Kyle, Lane and Anna, all of Spanish Fork, Utah; his parents: Lawrence and Ruth Thompson of Payson, Utah; and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Rick (Dena) Thompson of Las Vegas, Nevada; Rod Thompson of Levan, Utah; and Darrell (Lori) Thompson of Lindon, Utah. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws also survive him. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Nathan and Mary Aitken and Bernice and Leo Thompson; his nephew, Brady Thompson; and his in-laws: Charles and Rebecca Cluff. A Viewing will be held Tuesday, August 18th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at the Canyon View Stake Center, 989 South 2550 East, Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral Services will also be held at the same location Wednesday, August 19th at 11:00 am with a Viewing held prior to services from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Interment in Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.