Marvin Glenn Nelson, 62

Marvin Glenn Nelson, 62, of Rollins, passed away early Saturday morning on Sept. 4, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Marvin was born April 26, 1948, in Kalispell to Glenn C. and Mamie L. Nelson. A lifelong resident of Rollins, Marvin graduated from Polson High School in 1966 and the University of Montana in 1970 with a degree in forestry. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service in both the Flathead Valley and Northern California. His love of building drew him to commercial construction work, where he quickly moved from carpenter to superintendent on projects in New Brunswick, Canada, South Carolina, Georgia, and across Montana. A few of his projects in Montana included the community college in Miles City, the U of M library remodel, nursing homes in Circle and Eureka, and schools at Hot Springs, Whitefish and Polson. Marvin was a member of the Carpenters Union for 20 years, an Eagle Aerie No. 234 member for 35 years, and had served as a fireman, and later chief of the Rollins Volunteer Fire Department. Marvin s love for animals started at an early age. His animals were his constant companions, and he had many. Duke was his dog early in life and more recently, Black Dog. Princess was his horse for over 35 years, and he had many cats. He often said he never went looking for a pet, he let them find him. Over the years he took in and loved many stray animals, giving them a forever home or a place to stay until one was found. Marvin loved children and would often take neighbor kids water skiing or horseback riding. He was kind-hearted and would do anything for a friend. He was a people person and always had a joke or story to tell. He will be greatly missed. Marvin was preceded in death by his father in 1961. He is survived by his mother, Mamie Rogers of Rollins; brother, Loren Nelson of Kalispell; niece, Jen Nelson Anderson and husband, Gabe, and children, Kylie and Kaden of Rollins; niece, Christine Nelson of Kalispell; and a great many dear friends. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, after which a lunch will be served at the Eagles Lodge in Kalispell. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana or the Mission Valley Animal Shelter in Polson. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.