Marvin Everett Kelso

          Heaven is just a little rowdier and a lot more “Kirschner Tough”.  On June 14, 2026, at 1:10 a.m., Marvin Everett Kelso launched his Ranger one last time, setting out across heaven’s peaceful waters where the fish are plentiful and the sun never sets.

          Marvin was born in West Lorne, Ontario, into a large and spirited family of 13 Kirschner-strong siblings.  His early years were not without challenges, and Marvin spent time in several foster homes.  At the age of four, he found his forever family when he was adopted by a loving couple, Harold and Phyllis Kelso.  Their love and support provided the foundation for the life he would go on to build with his cherished wife, Barbara for 64 years.

          Above all else, Marvin’s greatest pride and joy was his family.  Nothing brought him more happiness than the time he spent with those he loved, watching his family grow, advising and celebrating in their accomplishments.  His daily phone calls with his son Greg and other family members were one of the highlights of his day, and brought him immeasurable joy, reflecting the deep bonds they shared.  He is survived by his lifelong love and devoted wife Barbara, his children Mike (Susie) Kelso, Greg (Debbie) Kelso, and Cheryl (Kirk) DeCooman, his grandchildren Kyle, Jessica (Kurt), Jeremy (Chiara), Kelsey (Jon), Darcey (Sarah), and Katie (Ian), and his great-grandchildren Kora, Henry, Addalyn, Elizabeth, Amara, Ambrose, Zoey, Noah, Daphne, Banks, and Sonny.  The love he shared with his family and the values he instilled in them will remain one of his greatest and most enduring legacies.

          His legacy will live on through his family and in the entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and perseverance he demonstrated throughout his life.  Marvin always strived to be the very best at everything he set his mind to, and he instilled that same drive, work ethic, and commitment to excellence in each of his children.  His influence will continue to inspire future generations for years to come.  Entrepreneurship was at the heart of who Marvin was.  A visionary businessman with an incredible work ethic, he spent his life building successful ventures and pursuing new opportunities.  Over the years, he opened and operated Marv’s Rad, Welding & Speed Shop Arctic Rad & Air, and Angling Outfitters he created with his son Mike. The Pump House he created with Ron Scott, Pillar To Post, and Marvinsway Kennels.  Each business reflected a different aspect of Marvin’s talents, passions, and determination.  From his mechanical expertise and passion for automobiles to his love of fishing, dogs, the outdoors, and connecting with people, Marvin had a remarkable ability to turn his interests into successful enterprises.  He was never afraid to take a chance, embrace a challenge, or work tirelessly to achieve his goals.  Perhaps one of the greatest testaments to Marvin’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit is that Arctic Rad & Air, Angling Outfitters, and The Pump House continue to operate successfully today.  The businesses he built have stood the test of time and remain a lasting reflection of his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

          Known for his persistence and determination, Marvin believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well.

          A passion for wellness and personal achievement, Marvin was dedicated to weightlifting and powerlifting.  His commitment to the sport led to him holding seven Canadian records with WPC Canada Powerlifting.

          German Shepherds held a special place in Marvin’s heart.  His love for the breed led him and his wife, Barbara, to establish Marvinsway Kennels, where they bred, raised, and trained German Shepherds with great care and dedication.  Marvin’s passion for dogs extended far beyond the kennel, and he became highly respected within the Canadian Kennel Club community.  As both a competitor and an official judge at Canadian Kennel Club Obedience Trials, Marvin earned the admiration of fellow enthusiasts through his knowledge, integrity, and commitment to excellence. He took great pride in working with his dogs and found immense joy in the partnership, discipline, and companionship they brought to his life.  A testament to his dedication and skill was his beloved dog, Atlas, who achieved remarkable success as an animal actor. Atlas starred in the Canadian film “Lions for Breakfast,” appeared on Milk-Bone packaging, and was featured on Purina Dog Chow products.  Together, Marvin and Atlas delighted audiences at countless events and demonstrations, where Atlas showcased his extraordinary talents by jumping through hoops of fire, untying knots, and performing a wide variety of impressive tricks.  Their partnership brought joy to many and remains one of Marvin’s proudest accomplishments.

          The origin of One Bad 340 began one day while driving through Stratford, Ontario, when Marvin spotted a 1969 Dodge D-100 Utiline pickup truck sitting on the used car lot at Kalbfleisch Brothers Chrysler.  Immediately drawn to its unique style, he thought to himself, “What a cool ride!” and pulled into the dealership for a closer look.  Never one to pass up an opportunity, Marvin walked inside and asked the salesman, “How much for the truck?”  The reply was, “$2,000, but it’s already sold—pending the customer securing financing".  For many people, that would have been the end of the story.  But Marvin was never one to give up easily when he had his mind set on something.  As fate would have it, the original owner, Herb, developed health issues and was no longer able to drive a standard transmission.  The dealership subsequently offered to resell the truck, and Marvin didn’t hesitate.  He purchased the truck and brought it home, where it quickly became a reliable workhorse for the radiator division of his business.  What began as a practical delivery vehicle would eventually become much more—a treasured part of Marvin’s life and a project that reflected his passion, skill, and determination.  Over the years, Marvin transformed the truck into an award-winning showpiece.  Much of the fabrication and mechanical work was completed by Marvin himself.  Reflecting on the countless hours invested, he once said, “All of the blood, sweat, and tears really paid off.  My best time at the drag strip was 11.45 seconds at 116.25 mph”.  The truck went on to win countless awards and trophies at car shows and events, becoming another one of Marvin’s proudest accomplishments.  More than just a vehicle, it was a testament to his craftsmanship, perseverance, and lifelong love of automobiles.  Today, it remains a cherished part of his legacy and a reminder that with vision, hard work, and determination, extraordinary things can be built from humble beginnings.

          In his spare time, Marvin thoroughly enjoyed being out on the water in his beloved Ranger bass boat.  An avid fisherman, anyone fortunate enough to spend a day with Marv on Lake Erie knew it would be a full day—from the first light of dawn until sunset—and that he would more than likely catch both the most fish and the largest bass.  Fishing wasn’t just a hobby for Marvin, it was one of his greatest passions and a place where he found peace, joy, and connection with nature.

          Marvin also took tremendous pride in his properties, landscaping, and gardens.  Through countless hours of hard work and dedication, he transformed them into beautiful spaces, earning the City of Woodstock Beautiful Award for their home on Jack Poole Drive.  His passion for creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes never faded.  Even in his final days, from his bedside, he asked his family to submit photographs taken by his granddaughter for one last entry into the Woodstock Beautiful Awards.  It was a fitting reflection of a man whose commitment to excellence, beauty, and pride of ownership remained with him until the very end.  Whether tending his gardens, caring for his property, or enjoying the outdoors, Marvin appreciated the beauty of nature and found great satisfaction in creating and nurturing it.

          Over the past three and a half years, Marvin faced numerous health challenges with the same determination, courage, and resilience that defined every aspect of his life.  Throughout this difficult journey, his daughter stood steadfastly by his side, helping him navigate the many obstacles and uncertainties that accompanied his illness.  Together with his beloved wife, Barbara, they never left his side, providing unwavering love, support, comfort, and advocacy through every setback and every victory.  True to his nature, Marvin never wanted to give up.  He faced each challenge with remarkable strength and perseverance, continually fighting to enjoy more time with the family he loved so dearly.  In his final days, Marvin shared with his son-in-law Kirk that “maybe there is a heaven” and told his son Mike that when he met Jesus in heaven, he would return as a Pileated Woodpecker to let them know he had arrived safely.  True to his word, a Pileated Woodpecker appeared on the day of his passing—a sign that brought comfort, peace, and a smile to those who loved him most.

          The world will never be quite the same without Marvin.  Yet it is undoubtedly a better place because he was here.  Through the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, the businesses he built, the family he loved, and the friendships he cherished, his legacy will endure for generations to come.  Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing that heaven has welcomed an extraordinary man.  His love, wisdom, and spirit will live on forever.  In his final moments, Marvin’s last gestures to his beloved wife, Barbara, spoke volumes.  He gently placed a finger to his lips as if to say, “Shh, it’s okay,” then pointed to her, then to himself, and signaled, “We did okay”.   It was a simple yet powerful expression of a lifetime of love, partnership, perseverance, and shared accomplishment.

          The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals who cared for Marvin throughout his health journey.  Special thanks are extended to the Palliative Care Team at Woodstock Hospital, and especially to Blaire Dol and the Nursing Staff, whose compassion, kindness, and support provided comfort not only to Marvin but to his entire family during his final days.

          In accordance with Marvin’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service.  Instead, Marvin hoped that those who knew him would remember him in their own way—whether through a story shared, a laugh remembered, a fish caught, a garden tended, a classic car admired, or simply a quiet moment spent reflecting on the time you shared together.

          Marvin lived life fully, loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.  His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Until we meet again, Marv, we look forward to seeing the beautiful gardens you’ve created in heaven.

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Avenue, Woodstock, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at www.wareingcremation.ca