Though countless people both in and outside our LC--MS will remember brother Marcis as a humble, multi-talented chuchman, Lois and I remember him and his beloved Sylvia primarily as loving members of the body of Christ and also as loving pastor to my dear parents, Michael and Anne Ballas.

Always fun to be with, whether during our many years of serving together at Haven Board meetings in Florida, during a memorable relaxing weekend visit at the Marcis family lake cottage in Western Ontario, or countless points and places in between, one was left with the underlying conviction that we were ever privileged to be in the presence of a self-giving, genuinely loving Christian couple from whom, though learning much from each and every contact, we knew we could have learned a whole lot more.

Many are the stories we (and many others) could share with the Marcis children ranging from lighted-hearted mutual enjoyment on a golf course to the even greater joy of following my dear mentor's impromptu instructions at a Finnish Canadian country church. Whether expressed or not, everything we were privileged to do together ultimately centered in our Brother-Savior Jesus Christ and the furtherance
of His saving Gospel of forgiveness.

We thank God for this humble servant of Christ because of whom we will surely meet again in unending praise at the feet of the spotless Lamb who was slain, but who has also begun His reign. Thank You, Jesus!

Romans 14:7-9