Marvin Ellis, 70

Marvin Ellis, 70, crossed over to his new life on Feb. 1, 2010, with his beloved wife, Beth and his cousins were there by his side. They were truly his angels in this life. He said to tell everyone that he was off on his next adventure.

Marvin was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas., on Nov. 28, 1939. He was proceeded in death by both him parents. He received his electrical engineering degree from University of Texas, Austin and went on to work for NASA.

He became an avid SCUBA diver and, in his early 30s, he decided to pursue a career in it. He said in order to learn something you needed to teach it.  He moved to St Thomas in the Virgin Islands in the early ‘70s and started Virgin Island Dive Schools. He went on to expand the diving business to St. Martin, St Croix and the cruise ship Industry. He implemented the first onboard diving program with Princess Cruise Lines.

Marvin was always the innovator. After 25 years in the Dive Business, he semi retired to North Carolina. Always off to the next adventure, he continued to travel with his wife Beth via recreational vehicle, plane or boat.

He loved to fly planes, fish, dive and explore. Marvin always was looking for something new to learn and share with others. His final home was in Priest River, Idaho, where he moved in 2000.

He loved the land, the fish and the community. He never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife and best friend in life, Beth; two daughers, Kathleen Massey of Alaska, Kristine Guialdo of New York; two step-children, Peter and Chista Scardina of Idaho; grandchildren, Jacob, Baracus, Bolo and Brittany; and his cousins, Sharon Ellis and Kathleen White of Texas

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at the family home in Priest River on June 26 at 2 p.m.

Say not in grief “He is no more” but live in the thankfulness that he was. So go in peace, you’ve earned the sleep, your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.