Marvin Roger Haglund

Marvin Roger Haglund, 93, died on Sunday at home with his family by his side.


Marvin was born in Astoria on Feb. 11, 1930, to Oscar and Lisett Haglund. He was the second of 12 children.

He and Marilyn Seaborg were married in Astoria in 1951. Marilyn passed away in 1998.

Marvin was a gillnetter on the Columbia River and worked as the master mechanic for the Port of Portland. He was a 68-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers.

In the December 1974 issue of National Geographic, Marvin tells the story of learning to fish from his father when he was 6 years old, and then fishing alone with his brother, Oscar, who was 10, and Marvin was 9. The two of them used to catch as much as a ton on a big night. He passed that knowledge on to his son, Ole, and they spent many years fishing together on the Columbia River.

Marvin served eight years in the U.S. National Guard 116th Medical Battalion 41st Infantry Division and was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Dad traveled the world many times over, with frequent trips to Asia with Maureen and Dave that included Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Thailand. He traveled with Maureen many times to Amsterdam, and included adventures to Germany and Spain.

His adventures with his wife included trips to Finland, Sweden, Russia, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong, as well as trips to see his older brother in Mexico. Marvin and his wife visited many Caribbean and South American countries on a cruise through the Panama Canal.

He was interested in different cultures, loved learning words of local languages, was always ready to try local food, see the sites and visit local markets. If there was a place to see, Marvin wanted to go. He observed the people, honored the culture and was truly an adventurer and gracious visitor.

Survivors include his children, Sharon Haglund, Shell Haglund, Ole Haglund, Maureen McKinney and son-in-law, David McKinney; grandchildren, Paul Ireland, Thor Haglund, Michael Ireland and Caitlin Holdren; 15 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Oscar Haglund, Fred Haglund, Nancy Haglund, Leonard Haglund, Edwin Haglund, Kenneth Haglund, David Haglund and James Haglund.

Marvin was preceded in death by three siblings, Robert Haglund, Mavis Jolliffe and Lisett Gleason; his wife; and his parents.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave. Interment will follow at Ocean View Cemetery.