Marvin Jones

George Marvin Jones (Marvin) was the second born child of David and Greta Vaughn Jones, born July 16, 1933. When he went to school, it was at the Sight Hill school. He left school at 13 because he was too interested in the family farm. Marvin enjoyed farming with the horses and being in nature. He loved working alongside his Dad. Sadly, when he was 17, his father passed away leaving Marvin and Fred in charge of the farm. Shortly after, Fred had the opportunity to make money on the Cold War DEW line across northern Canada, leaving Marvin to run the farm with his Mom. His Mom eventually took work in town and bought a little house there. Marvin got really sick with the mumps and for a time, neighbours helped him manage farm duties until he was able to return to his responsibilities.

Marvin enjoyed being at home but he did do some travelling. The first trip he ever took was with his Mom, his sister Betty and her husband Gordon Mundle, and their daughter, Vicki. They went to California to see his brother, Cecil, and Cecil’s wife, Judy. He also enjoyed going to shows at the local theater.

After living the bachelor life for 10 years, Marvin began courting young Lois Hay in 1966 when he started going to the local dances. In 1967, he began the adventure that is family life by becoming a husband and father by marrying Lois along with her daughter, Debra, and son, Brent. Gregory arrived in 1969 and Daryl followed shortly after in 1971. There was now more to life than just chores. A new responsibility was taking Debra out to meet the bus with the horses because of bad roads. Taking drives with the horses on Sundays as a family became important. One enjoyable drive was going to St.Claude for a horse pull when Marvin ended up getting caught up as a participant and missed out on the family time. He did, however, prioritize Sunday family time. He and Lois also became interested in the Fort Ellice Trail ride and spent many years involved in this 4 day, horse and wagon train through the bush prior to the Austin Threshermen’s Reunion. This led to many years of demonstrating horse-drawn farm activities alongside friends for large audiences during the reunion.

The family grew older and began their own lives. Debra married Ken, and gave Marvin and Lois their first grandchildren, Regan, Scott and Jeff. Brent had Kris, Kyle, and Kelsie, and Daryl married Penny and had Brittany and Brett. Brent married Gwen and they had the last grandchild, Jacob. Greg stayed at home until he was 19, and then moved to Touchwood in Neepawa where he could learn independent living skills. Marvin and Lois did a little more travelling at this time. They visited many areas in southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan that Marvin had read about. They ended up buying a camper van to carry their bed and their own food along with them. They spent much time with their grandchildren, and later, great grandchildren. His long marriage to Lois guaranteed that music would be an important part of Marvin’s life. Marvin was known for his guitar, banjo, and harmonica talents.

Marvin leaves to mourn his wife of almost 59 years, Lois Jones; His daughter, Debra Early (Ken) and their children Regan (Kevin), Scott (Jo-Elle), and Jeff (Jodiene). His son, Brent (Gwen) and their children, Kris, Kyle, Kelsie (Rodney) and Jacob; his son, Greg, and his son, Daryl (Penny), and their children Brittany (Tyler) and Brett (Taralynn); and his great grandchildren, Kennedy, Rory, Kadence, Cooper, Caitlyn, Oliver, Caylie, Sebastian, Aries, Bear, Esther, and Lexi. He also leaves to mourn his sister, Betty Mundle, and sister in laws Alice Jones and Judy Jones. He was predeceased by his brothers Fred and Cecil, and brother in law, Gordon Mundle.

Lois and family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Doctors, nurses, and all the support staff at the Third Crossing Manor.