Planting a Legacy: Marvin Sundquist’s Enduring Gift to Children’s Village

Marvin Sundquist, a generational grower and leader in the Washington agriculture industry, passed away in 2015, but his legacy continues to grow and nourish the community.

A lifelong advocate for community betterment, Marvin dedicated decades to volunteering, philanthropy, and serving on nonprofit boards across the Yakima Valley. His impact touched everything from agriculture and education to the arts and health care.

But one cause especially captured his heart: Children’s Village. From its earliest days, Marvin championed the vision of a place where children with special health needs can receive care close to home. He worked tirelessly to help bring that vision to life.

And he didn’t stop there.

Through a planned gift in his will, Marvin ensured that Children’s Village would continue to grow and thrive long after his lifetime. To date, his estate has contributed nearly $350,000 – supporting services for more than 12,000 children and families each year.

Planned giving is like planting a seed: It holds the promise of something greater – something that will flourish and endure. Marvin, a man rooted in the tree fruit industry, understood this deeply. His gift has become a strong, fruit-bearing tree – offering hope, healing, and opportunity to generations of families in our Valley.

As Marvin once said, “Success implies responsibility to the community.” His planned gift is a powerful reminder that by making a will, we can make an impact that lives on for generations to come.