Former NJC head Marvin Weiss dies


Dr. Marvin W. Weiss, 75, of Canby, Ore., and formerly of Sterling, passed away Dec. 10, 2008, at his home.

He had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) earlier in the year and his health had been declining rapidly at the time of his death.

Born in Elgin, N.D., on May 23, 1933, Weiss earned advanced degrees at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University but continued to credit Dickinson State University, where he received his first degree, for the foundation he needed to become an excellent teacher.

He taught English and German at the high school levels in Edgeley and Tioga, N.D., before moving to Oregon, where he worked as a teacher, vice principal and assistant superintendent for secondary schools.

He was the dean of community education at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Ore., before becoming the president of Northeastern Junior College in Sterling. His last position was president of Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash., which he held until his retirement in 1994.

Weiss came to NJC in 1979 as its third president and served in this capacity until 1988. This was his first college presidency and he was instrumental in developing a community education program at NJC during his time there.

In addition to a number of very good friends and extended family members, Weiss is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marlys, of the family home; a daughter, LaRae and her husband Jerry and their two sons, Annan and Andy, all of Gladstone, Ore.; and a son, Lt. Mark Weiss and wife Marie and their two children, Jacqueline and Jackson, all of Ft. Rucker, Ala.

Marv enjoyed golfing, traveling and doing volunteer work in his community until his health prevented him for enjoying these activities. He and Marlys were dedicated members of the choir at their church. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Canby United Methodist Church to help pay for a new organ. The family also encourages donations to the Hope Scholarship Fund through the Northeastern Junior College Foundation in his name. Cards and memorial gifts may be sent directly to Marlys Weiss at 2003 N. Forrest Court, Canby, OR 97013-2574.

A memorial service for Marv will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. at the Canby United Methodist Church.