When I picture Bruce, I see his smile. All he had to do was smile and it seemed as if anything could be done and any problem could be solved. For 38 years as my life has woven in and out of Bruce and Jana’s, that smile has had a special place in my heart.

I first met Bruce and Jana in the Spring of 1978 when I interviewed Bruce for a position as Guide (teacher) at Corvallis Montessori School. I was vice-president of the Children’s House in charge of handling staff-related issues and when a position opened up, I lead the search for a replacement. As applications, resumes, and recommendations came in, there was one which stood out above all the others, that was Bruce Marbin’s. His qualities as a guide, a parent, and a human being were so warmly praised and his vibrance and knowledge came through so powerfully that we were eager to meet him in person.

When Bruce came for his interview, the Marbins stayed with one of our parent families (Art and JoAnn Eves). As I interviewed Bruce, it quickly became apparent that he was the perfect choice for the school and the interview turned into a warm conversation about children, Montessori, and the world. Needless to say, the school eagerly offered him the position, and, to its lasting benefit, he accepted.

Bruce, Jana, Devora, and Seth arrived in Oregon the summer of 1978. They joined my family and and the Eves in a newly started experiment in communal living on the Eves’ Philomath farm. Living in the country with fields, a creek, horses, chickens, and the space to create a huge organic garden in the company of like-minded friends appealed to us all.

There was, however, more space for gardening than people, so the Marbins needed to sleep in their van while they worked on converting the upper level of the barn into a living space. While they created their home, and I converted a field into an organic garden, the children spent the summer days exploring the natural world and playing together.

Bruce was amazingly talented in the renovation of the barn He and Jana turned it into a beautiful home, with windows looking out onto the forest. It was a lovely Montessori-like uncluttered space which gave one a sense of calm and peace.


As the autumn went on, I found myself spending more time in the peaceful refuge Bruce and Jana had created. Unfortunately, it turned out to be illegal to live above a barn and Bruce and Jana had to move. After they had left, I realized that I wasn’t really suited for communal living, so my family moved out in the winter.

The new school year was wonderful with Bruce and his lovely family as part of our Montessori Community and some leadership changes which paved the way for a greater sense of unity and connection. Bruce’s strong sense of community and personal warmth were inspirational to us at this time and he was so vibrant that he brought to the school (and to Corvallis as a whole) such energy and enthusiasm.

After Bruce came to CMS, music was everywhere since he made music such a part of everyone’s life. In addition to playing the guitar and singing with the children in his class, once a week he and the children would walk to the university with their lunches to attend the noontime concerts there.

On a personal level, those years were filled with learning and friendship. Bruce encouraged my interest in Montessori and included me in Montessori workshops and connected me with the larger Montessori community. And his kindness came through in so many ways. One little memory I treasure is opening my front door one May Day and finding a huge basket filled with fruit and flowers. There was no note, but I tracked down the senders - Bruce and his fellow guides.


After my children left CMS, Bruce and Jana were no longer part of my daily life, but we shared so many common points that our lives stayed interconnected. It was hard to see them leave, though I did get to visit them in Amherst and to see Bruce’s beautiful school there, and it was such a happy surprise when the they finally returned to Corvallis and CMS.



Bruce always put so much thought and energy into making Corvallis Montessori School and Corvallis itself an even better place. He was a long-range dreamer who came up with great ideas and persevered on the practical obstacles until his dreams became a reality. For example, from his early days at the school Bruce worked to find a permanent home for CMS and he never gave up until he had achieved it. More than one generation now of CMS children, parents, and staff have Bruce’s determination to thank for the school’s wonderful home on Greeley with the beautiful classrooms, the individual outdoor environments, and large outdoor space for everyone to share. Bruce brought in rocks for a climbing area, set up a track for riding trikes and bikes, arranged picnic tables for outdoor lunches, and set up a boat to play in as well as planning the more traditional play equipment, soccer field, and running space. It is an amazing testament to his imagination and attention to detail.


Bruce was a strong believer in community; in his time as director of CMS he started Friday morning community gatherings for the children (ages 3-12), staff, and any interested parents. Knowing how music could bring people together, he led group singing and encouraged anyone interested to share a solo or small group performance: singing, dancing, or reciting. Some were natural performers; others in time grew confident and would participate, knowing that if they got stage fright or forgot something, everything would be okay. I think the children learned, through Bruce’s example, to accept each other as they were at that point, that mistakes are okay. It is how people learn. One could see children over the course of the year or years feeling confident, knowing that no one would laugh at them unless they were trying to be funny, and that they could sing or perform whatever gave them pleasure and they would have an appreciative audience full of enthusiastic applause even if they made a mistake.


I missed the beginning of some of these changes; after my children left CMS, my life was focused on other things. Then one rainy Saturday in 1994 Bruce changed the course of the rest of my life. I was walking from the OSU Bookstore towards downtown when Bruce and Jana drove by and offered me a ride. On that ride Bruce asked me if I would be interested in being a substitute at CMS. I was briefly hesitant because I had never worked in a Montessori classroom before, but Bruce’s confidence in me made me want to try. I was a substitute for a short while when a special assistant for an autistic child left and Bruce asked me to take the position. I said I don’t know anything about autism or how to interact with an autistic child. Once again, Bruce expressed his certainty that I could do it. Then after that child left school, Bruce asked me to become a regular classroom assistant. I did that for approximately 6 years. Because Bruce had set up a generous professional development program for the staff at CMS, I was able to attend more Montessori Workshops. After one of them, I decided to take the AMI Montessori training during the summers. After I completed the training, I moved to Austin to teach there. Being rescued from the rain that Saturday morning, led to some of the most joyful and satisfying work of my life.


Looking back at it now, I realize how much confidence in myself Bruce gave me. Bruce had that effect on children as well. He believed in them and they came to believe in themselves. All the children seemed to feel comfortable around Bruce. Children are able to sense when someone is genuine. He also had a wonderful way of talking to the children. He always took the time to truly listen to them. He did not rush or push them.

Bruce’s influence still reverberates throughout my life. His words, example, and mentorship helped me to become the person I am now - and my life is so much richer for it. As I reflect on his influence, I am reminded of Dr Montessori’s insight - we have the most impact when we plant seeds in others rather than trying to teach them directly. Bruce planted so many seeds in my mind and heart with his compassion, his patience, his perseverance in pursuing his dreams, and his deep commitment to creating strong, caring communities.

Nancy Scott