Educators Teach Compassion

Harvey and Marcella Mashinter lived by the lessons they taught as teachers, and giving was just one.

Harvey was a professor of history and philosophy at Lower Columbia Community College for 22 years and Marcella a reading specialist in Longview Public Schools. Together, they were likely one of the most informed couples in Longview, but it was their extraordinary capacity to connect with others that allowed them to share their knowledge. For years, this is how they nurtured their community.

Harvey was a critical thinker that colleagues looked to as a "moral compass" and mentor on campus. He was also a favorite professor of many students, who found his passion and honesty inspiring. This leadership stretched into the community as well, where Harvey was an active member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and a regular presenter at the Discovery Club, a local club that discussed current events.

Warm, generous and humble, Marcella naturally found ways to reach out, including volunteering through their church. She led efforts to sponsor three different families of “boat people” from South Vietnam over the years. After retiring, Marcella continued to help others as a tutor for both local children and adults who were studying to attain their GED.

In their free time, the Mashinters piqued their varied interests through travel. The Big Island of Hawaii and Europe were two of their favorite destinations, and they
logged many trips together before Harvey became extremely ill. He said his last goodbye to Marcella in 2004, and she soon decided to make their legacy of leadership and generosity permanent.

Working with her long-time financial advisor, Max Kamp, she established a bequest at the Community Foundation. She stipulated that their entire estate be used to create the Harvey J. and Marcella M. Mashinter Charitable Endowment, which would support scholarships and a broad range of community organizations.

These perpetual grants began making their impact in Cowlitz County as Marcella passed away in 2008, and they continue to reflect the open minds and hearts of this remarkable couple who taught an entire community that giving has no boundaries.