Marvin Grant Fifield

Marvin Grant Fifield, Logan, passed away December 4, 2015 at the age of 83. He was born July 22, 1932, the son of Bessie and Matthew Fifield of Pocatello, Idaho.

Marvin married Voneta Allred and they had three children: Bryce (Laurie) Fifield; Lynea (Nathan) Ford; and Terry (Roxy) Fifield. Marvin and Voneta were later divorced.

Marvin graduated from Idaho State University in Music Education and took a job in the American Falls Idaho School District teaching band and choir. Later he earned a doctorate from Washington State University in Counseling Psychology and took a contract as the first Educational Psychologist for the Pocatello Public Schools. He also had a private practice in psychological counseling. In 1966 he was hired by Idaho State University to direct their Mental Retardation Research Center.

In 1969 Marvin moved his family to Logan, Utah, was appointed Chair of the Department of Special Education at Utah State University and assigned to develop the Center for Persons with Disabilities. Marvin was very successful in writing federal grants. He directed the CPD for 34 years, using his skill as a grant writer to grow the center. It was said he tried to live up to his middle name - Grant. Marvin served on many state and national councils and advisory boards in the field of disabilities. Marvin took two sabbatical leaves to serve as a staff member for Senator Orrin Hatch working on disability legislation.

During his last twenty years Marvin was blessed by the love of Diane Schaelling and her family: John Schaelling; James (Lita) Schaelling; Joseph (Gillian) Schaelling; Steven (Marianne) Schaelling; Sarah (Jeff) John; and Mary (Layne) Popa. Marvin always felt as close to Diane’s children and grandchildren as his own. His children were about 10 years older than Diane’s and thus together they had two fantastic families.

Marvin was an active member of the LDS Church and held a variety of assignments. He took home teaching seriously and seldom missed a family. He and Diane served together as temple officiators for nine years.

Marvin was interested and involved in most of our community’s good causes. He was a perpetual student and was easily excited by novel ideas and new technology. After retirement in July 2000, these diverse interests multiplied. Marvin was generous with everything he had. He loved to be of service and looked for ways to be supportive. He had gentle convictions and great tolerance. He constantly championed the needs of those less privileged than himself. He cared about people and the issues that impacted their lives. He seldom criticized or offered advice but tried to be a good listener and a willing worker. He took obligations seriously, found humor and ironies in all situations and enjoyed the bright side and paradoxes in life.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Diane, his three children, nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Diane’s family of six children, 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild, by his brothers and sister Glen (Lou Anna) Fifield, Allene (Max) George, and Bill (Patty) Fifield. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sue, and her husband Brad Richardson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 14th at 12 p.m. in the Lundstrom Park 3rd Ward, 1260 N 1600 E in Logan. There will be a viewing Sunday evening, December 13th at the Allen-Hall Mortuary from 6-8 p.m. and at the church on Monday prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to one of Marvin’s favorite organizations: The Chamber Music Society of Logan – www.cmslogan.org . Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to record memories at www.allenmortuaries.net .