Marvin was born in Eldon, Missouri on April 18, 1941, to his parents, the Reverend Charles Caldwell and Catherine Caldwell. He graduated from Missouri High School in 1958. Although the son of a Methodist minister, over the years he became a student of Buddhism. His world view was open, inquisitive, and tolerant of all people.
In 1960 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for four years as a Rank Airman 2nd Class, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1964.
After serving, he returned to the University of Missouri in Kansas City and graduated with a BA in 1968. Marvin had a twenty-year career in advertising sales lasting until 1983. He owned Labor Publications in Berkley, CA.
He was interested in different cultures and beliefs and sold his successful business to travel and explore Europe while enjoying his favorite game…golf.
Upon his return to the US, he teamed up with Gerry Kirkeby, Real Estate Broker, who owned a high-end firm in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. and then they joined Wisdom Properties.
Gerry & Marv forged a friendship which remained a steadfast and trusted partnership for nearly 40 years.
Marvin’s open-minded nature and his kind and humble personality made him fully inclusive of others, regardless of class or station in life. His many friends and associates knew they had a trusted friend in Marvin. His generosity of time and resources has made a difference in the lives of many others.
After a lifetime of being health conscious and an avid golfer, he was sadly diagnosed with ALS in late 2021. Marvin’s friends and family would like to express their immense gratitude for the aid and healthcare assistance he received from the Veterans Administration of La Jolla in California. Thanks to them he was able to pass on peacefully at home with many friends and loved ones nearby. Thanks also to the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the ALS Foundation of San Diego.
Marvin is survived by his brother Charles Edward Caldwell, his dearest friend Gerry Kirkeby and her daughter, Samantha Kirkeby. Marvin was preceded in passing on by his mother Catherine Nancy Sheldon Caldwell, his father, the Reverend Charles Walter Caldwell and his sister, Nancy Caldwell.
Marvin is laid to rest at Eternal Hills on a knoll overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
One of Marvin’s favorite quotes:
“Good night and good luck.”
- Edward R. Murrow -