Marvin John Horner

Marv returned to his Heavenly Father on January 28, 2018, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur B. and Ruth De Nio Horner, his two brothers Jim and Ed Horner, and his great-granddaughter Brynnleigh Ulla Diane Horner.
Marv was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on September 30, 1931. His family lived in many places before settling in Prescott, AZ. Marv graduated from Prescott High in 1949. He received football scholarships to both Tempe and Flagstaff, AZ. He chose to attend NAU, where he played for the Lumberjacks for four years. He graduated from NAU in 1953 with a degree in elementary education. In 1949 he joined the National Guard. He transferred to the Army Reserves in 1951 and was honorably discharged in December 1963.
After graduation Marv went to Billings, MT, to visit his parents. While there he met the love of his life Virginia (Ginnie). They married four months later on November 14, 1953. They are the proud parents of 11 beautiful, loving children who grew to be “perfect” adults. All eleven graduated from Loyola Sacred Heart. Marv was so proud of his children: Debi (Rich) Nason of Helena, Mark (Lori) Horner of Missoula; Pam (Merrill) Smith of Newnan, GA; Matt (Pam) Horner of Glendale, AZ; Tim (Kay) Horner of Chandler, AZ; Chris Horner of Missoula; Teri (Joe) Marks of Allyn, WA; John (Judy) Horner of Missoula; Denise Horner-Dickson of Belgrade; Lance (Christy) Horner of Missoula; and Tony (Amy) Horner of Great Falls. Marv was also the proud grandfather of 47 grandchildren and blessed with 28 great grandchildren, all of whom he loved with all his heart.
Marv began his career as a stock boy at Carpenter Paper Co. in Billings, MT, where he advanced until he was made manager. He and Ginnie moved to Missoula with their (then) six children in December, 1963. They faithfully attended St. Anthony’s Parish. Every Sunday after mass, Marv and Ginnie took the entire family to their favorite “go to place” for breakfast--Paul’s Pancake Parlor. Marv joined Northwestern National Life in September 1967. He was always clear: he did not sell insurance--he helped his friends with their financial problems with a “product” he had. If they didn’t have a problem, they didn’t need his “product”. He never had “clients”; he considered everyone friends. Marv retired from Western States Insurance in July 2005, as he was going blind and could no longer help his friends. He entrusted his company to take care of them.
Following retirement, Marv spent his days with family and friends, reading, and playing golf, even with diminished sight. Marv loved many things in his life: his family, friends, golf, travel, jazz, history, and wine. He loved to dance. The family has many fond memories of Marv dancing with his beautiful bride, his lips pursed and the room entranced. But his greatest love was God. He was a devoted Catholic who lived a life of faith. His faith helped him to survive cancer and to cope with the loss of his sight. He humbly accepted God’s will for his life and remained grateful for the many blessings God gave him. He never forgot that he was a child of God. Marv lived his life as if God gave him the outline, perhaps God did.
Marv believed in helping others, and he persuaded many others to give of themselves, convincing them that they’d feel great if they did. He was committed to helping improve his city and community, serving as a member of various service organizations, boards, and committees.
Marv’s life was filled with love for his fellow man. Like Will Rogers, he never met a person he didn’t like. He was an avid hugger, spreading a little love and joy everywhere he went, sometimes to the embarrassment of his kids! The tighter the hug the better, so don’t be afraid to open your arms and hug your friends, everyone you meet.
And, by the way, Marv says in lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of your choice. It’ll make you feel good, and it’ll be the last time he ask for donations! 
A Rosary will be held on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with a Memorial Mass to be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church with a reception to follow at Missoula Community Theater.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.gardencityfh.com