Gary Marburger -- biography
Doing this biography at the
last minute seems to be typical of the way I do things. Not that I necessarily procrastinate,
although there is some of that too, but that I always seem to have more that I
want to do, and that I need to do, than I can ever find time to do. My small house/office (in the top of a barn)
is evidence of my lifestyle—there are stacks of papers everywhere, ongoing
tasks and projects “in progress”.
How can any of us briefly
summarize 40 years of our lives. Obviously, we can’t, without leaving out most of the precious
“filler”. I wish I had the time and
energy for “glimpses, snapshots and insights”, but I’m going to have to opt for
basic skeleton, possibly to be fleshed out later in conversation.
I live in Fredericksburg,
TX, having moved here with my family 25 years ago looking for a simpler way of
life, and a wholesome community to in which to raise my children. I have been a peach grower all those years—I
wanted to live on the land, and have my children grow up on the land, and
growing peaches just happened to be the means to the end. I recently have also started growing
strawberries.
Part of my dream has always
been to be independent enough in my income-producing work to be active in my
community. Except for the intense
demand of my seasonal crops, I have been able to do that. I am currently chairman of our missions
committee at the Methodist Church, and personally involved in several mission
projects. I am presently involved in
mentoring, Habitat for Humanity and a local community service
organization. I have had leadership
responsibilities in numerous organizations including Scouts, youth soccer, and
an academic boosters organization which brings volunteers and special academic
programs to the local schools.
Seven years ago my life
changed dramatically and unexpectedly when I was divorced. The heart-wrenching pain of the loss
intensified my awareness of the preciousness of life, and I think has had a
tremendous and wonderful effect on what I am now doing, and still want to do
with the rest of my life.
Two of the most important
people in my life are my children, Sara and Josh. Aside from their “accomplishments”, they have blessed me with
their personal integrity and spiritual depth.
Sara is just completing four years of teaching—her last two at an
international school in Aruba. This
provided me with the challenge of being an “over-the-hill” scuba diver, in
order to fully enjoy the beauty of her new home. Sara is planning to come back to the states to go to graduate
school this fall. I am a little
disappointed—I was kind of hoping she would move to a teaching assignment in
another country, where I could come visit her!
But it will be good to have her closer also. Josh (22 years) is living and working in Waco, and working
eventually toward a commercial pilot’s license. I’m looking forward to when I can fly on trips with him.
When I can find time to get
away from my work and other responsibilities, which is rare, and when I’m not
spending time with my children, parents or other family, I have in the past
enjoyed backpacking, canoeing, bicycling and snow skiing. However, I think my physically ability to
enjoy those activities is fading faster than my desire for them!
Almost
forgot the history part. First two
years of college at Texas Lutheran.
Graduated from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL with a major in
sociology. Graduated from Chicago
Theological Seminary with emphasis in counseling and group work. Got married in a church camp in southern
California, where my wife and I had worked together one summer. Ordained in the United Church of
Christ. In a team ministry in Phoenix
for less than two years. Taught 6th,
7th and 8th grade math and science in a private school
for one year. Lived in a commune in New
Mexico for a few months (trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my
life). Moved to Ventura County,
California, and worked for an agricultural development and management company
for 5 years (avocados and citrus).
Moved back to Texas to go into farming for myself.
Life is good, and getting
better; particularly the more I am able to recognize and appreciate all the
wonderful people who fill up my life.