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Gary Marchbank, who served on the Methow Valley School Board from 2009 until his resignation last December, passed away Nov, 26, MVSD Superintendent Grant Storey said in a press release. He was 87.
Marchbank presented in ill health when he resigned during a regular school board meeting Oct. 31, 2024. Former Superintendent Tom Venable read his letter of resignation as Marchbank sat quietly beside him.
The press release announcing his passing states, in part, “Gary was a pillar in our community, friend and mentor to many, and an enduring school board director with 16 years of service to the school community, Throughout his tenure, he championed Career and Technical Education, supported pathways to graduation and beyond, and worked tirelessly to ensure every student was valued and treated with dignity,”
Marchbank moved to the Methow Valley in 1968. He worked as an elementary school teacher and counselor and for Outward Bound, an outdoor educational program that ceased operating in the valley in 2024. He also worked as a timber faller and an electrician for over 30 years. His hobbies included running marathons and scaling mountains.
Marchbank has three children and three grandchildren that graduated from MVSD.
Marchbank moved to Jamie’s Place in February 2024, four days after a stroke, according to a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for his care.
Marchbank was first elected to the school board in 2009, the same year as Dana Stromberger, who is currently serving as school board chair. With Marchbank’s resignation last December, Stromberger became the longest sitting school board director.
