Dr. Marvin John Erik Johnson
May 30, 1930 – January 23, 2026

Dr. Marvin John Erik Johnson passed away peacefully at the age of ninety-five on January 23, 2026, at his son's home in Pinckney, Michigan, surrounded by the love of his family.

Marvin was born on May 30, 1930, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada, to John Harald and Mary Jelena (Yeo) Johnson. He later married the love of his life, Clara (Bastien) Johnson, on February 23, 1963, beginning a marriage that spanned more than six decades.

Marvin spent his childhood in Smeaton, Saskatchewan and adolescence in Windsor, Ontario where he attended W.D. Lowe High School. In 1950, he moved to the United States to attend the University of Michigan. From there he built a life in Ypsilanti, Michigan with his wife, Clare, where they raised their four children and lived until the time of his passing.

From an early age, Marvin lived with extraordinary discipline, creativity, and drive. Marvin was a lifeguard on the Detroit River and began what would be a lifelong passion in gymnastics at the Windsor Gymnastics Club. As a young adult, he toured as a professional hand-balancing performer, appearing in nightclubs alongside Louis Armstrong. His athletic talents were equally impressive—he qualified for the Olympics in gymnastics and, on a dare, entered and won a bodybuilding competition, earning the title of Mr. Windsor.

Marvin pursued higher education at the University of Michigan, where he earned his PhD in Physical Education and competed as a member of the men's gymnastics team where he became an All-Around Gymnastics Champion. His life's work became education, coaching, and the advancement of gymnastics. He taught and coached at numerous schools throughout Ontario and Michigan, including football and soccer, though gymnastics was always his greatest passion.

A true pioneer in the sport, Marvin founded the National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC), authored and developed gymnastics education materials and programs, built and welded gymnastics equipment by hand, and coached thousands of students from elementary school through collegiate levels. His expertise and dedication led him to serve as an international judge in the Pan American Games, further cementing his legacy in the gymnastics world.

Marvin was a professor at Eastern Michigan University for more than 42 years, where he taught Physical Education and coached gymnastics. In 1987, he was inducted into the Eastern Club Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting contributions. Even after retiring from EMU, Marvin continued to coach gymnastics for many years through Community Education and Parks and Recreation programs, never losing his passion for teaching and mentoring others.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Johnson; his brothers, Jerry, Kenneth (Joan), and Daniel (Shirley), his brother-in-law, Richard Bastien, and his son-in-law, Kevin Harp.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Clare Johnson; his children, Paulette (Dan McClung) Harp, Pamela (Jonathan) Warren, Thor (Andrea) Johnson, and Burke (Julie) Johnson; his cherished grandchildren who fondly knew him as Hufar: Alexis (Joel), Tyler (Stephanie), Erik (Brielle), Dena, Neal (Amy), Glen, Derrek, Heather, Josh, Carter, Bekah, Alec, Olivia, and Nathan (Miranda); his siblings, Marleen (Horace), Wendy, Dianna (Adriaan), and Michael (Judy); and brother-in-law, George (Pat) Bastien. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, along with countless nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Marvin's legacy lives on through the generations of athletes he inspired, the institutions he helped build, and the family he loved fiercely. He will be remembered for his brilliance, determination, humor, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stark Funeral Professionals, 101 South Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

Marvin will lie in state on Saturday, January 31, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 411 Florence Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association , Dementia Friendly Services , or the National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC).