Marvin A. Mackey

Marvin Mackey, 85, died of complications from a fall in his home in Vancouver, WA. He died peacefully with family members at his side on Sept. 13, 2009. Marvin was born in Ft. Lupton, CO on March 25, 1924. He moved from Colorado with his parents and two brothers in 1934 and settled in Carson, WA. His third brother was born at Carson that fall and they lived in a homemade cabin his dad, Floyd Mackey, built. They lived there until 1936 when they moved to Vancouver, WA onto a five acre farm on 117th Ave. Marvin attended Union High School where he graduated. The family moved to various areas throughout Vancouver. Marvin then joined the U.S. Army. After that he worked in the ship yards. Marvin met and married Nellie F. Bosisto on July 7, 1951. Later on her worked for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service until Nellie and he opened MarNell's Ceramic Studio and they ran the studio for over 35 years. After having four children, Marvin bought the five acres on 117th Ave. in 1964, the same property his folks owned back in 1936 and has lived there ever since. Marvin became well known throughout the Northwest Ceramic Industry for his fabulous paintings and art work, he won all the top awards. He was still active in ceramics, getting ready for the next ceramic show in March. Marvin had many other hobbies: he raised and bred many varieties of birds and he loved photography, gardening and family history, along with Clark County history. Marvin and Nellie were very active members of Prairie Community Church and were also members of the building committee when the church was built. Survivors include David (Sue) Zabel of Vancouver, WA; his daughter, Linda (Walt) Jones of Longview, WA; his other two sons, Doug Mackey of Washougal, WA and Dwaine Mackey of Vancouver, WA; along with six grandchildren; six great-grand children; numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and his special companion, Faith Ivie; also his precious pets, Cookie, his cockatoo; Annie his sheltie; and many close friends. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Katherine Mackey; his brother, Lawrence, who died in the service in World War II; his brother, Lee; and his beloved wife of 47 years, Nellie, who passed away in 1998. Funeral services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Sat., Sept. 19, 2009 at 10:00 a.m., followed by graveside service and reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA 98660.

Marvin A. Mackey

March 25, 1924 - September 13, 2009