Marvin Thomas Ouwinga

NORTH CONWAY, N.H. – Marvin Thomas Ouwinga, beloved educator and longtime resident of Bethel, passed away on New Year’s Eve 2025 at the age of 84. He died peacefully with family at his side during a brief illness.

A lifelong student and teacher, Marvin taught history and Latin at Gould Academy in Bethel from 1977 until his retirement in 2007.

Beyond the classroom, Marvin was a strong advocate of, and contributor to, many humanitarian organizations. He founded and maintained student groups over the decades dedicated to causes fighting hunger, supporting refugees and advocating for prisoners of conscience. Marvin believed strongly in justice and equality and protecting humanity’s most vulnerable. Former students who participated in the charitable groups he chaperoned recall his enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication to helping make the world a better place.

He was known among the community for his love of puns, his talent for writing humorous limericks, and love of baking. His famous cookies, danish, and ollebollen were enjoyed by generations.

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich. to The Reverend Menko Ouwinga and Joan (Ferweda), Marvin grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Denver, Colo.; and South Holland, Ill. He enjoyed telling stories of his childhood adventures, building forts and exploring with his five siblings.

Marvin attended Trinity Christian College, then graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. It was there he met his love, Tineke Zwolsman, who had emigrated from the Netherlands. They married in 1965, eventually celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Marvin received his doctorate of philosophy in 1973 from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. for postgraduate study in history.

In 1976 the Ouwinga family moved to Portland, close to his sister, Mary. Soon after, Tineke was offered a teaching position at Gould Academy and the following year, Marvin joined her on the faculty of the school, where they taught until they retired.

He remained active with Western Maine Senior College, the Bethel Library, and the Bethel Historical Society.

Marvin is survived by his son, Robrecht, Rob’s wife Eva, his daughter, Marlies, her husband Scott Campbell; and his grandsons Jack and Charlie. He also leaves behind his sisters Caroline and Mary, brother, John; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the spring in Bethel at the West Paris Congregational Church.

Marvin’s legacy lives on in his family, his thousands of students, dozens of colleagues, and the communities he served and cherished. Please do something kind in his honor.