Colvin Riley Marr

Colvin Riley Marr, dearly loved son of Carolyn R. Backus of Watervliet and Brien A. Marr of Glens Falls, passed away on December 23, 2025, following a rapid onset of influenza.

Colvin was born on August 11, 2005, in Glens Falls, New York. He spent his early childhood in Glens Falls, later lived in the Saratoga Springs area, spent his teen years in Cohoes, and most recently resided in Watervliet.

Colvin attended Oak Hill School in Scotia, New York, for his primary education, a place he often credited for shaping his accepting and open-minded character. He continued his education at Capital District BOCES, where he completed the Pet Tech Career Development Program in June 2024. Colvin had a deep love for animals from a young age. Following high school graduation, he enrolled in the SELFIE program, also at Capital District BOCES, where he worked to develop employment skills. Colvin particularly enjoyed his work at Metro Ford. His educators and classmates remember him for his curiosity, kindness, and sense of humor.

Colvin always tried his best and was eager to help others. Through the SELFIE program, he volunteered at the Schenectady City Mission, the Regional Food Bank, and Toys for Tots. To gain hands-on experience working with animals, Colvin dedicated himself to volunteering weekly during 2024 and 2025 at Hop On Home, a domestic rabbit rescue.

Colvin had many interests and hobbies. He closely followed politics and world events, often sharing information with those around him. He enjoyed creating pencil sketches, both from his own imagination and by following online tutorials. Colvin appreciated comedy, music, and art, and he loved to learn, possessing an impressive ability to recall facts. More recently, he developed an interest in geography and challenged himself to identify the flags of the world, successfully naming the majority of them. Additional interests included Japanese animation, superhero comics, young adult historical fiction, and a variety of video games played on his PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

An important part of Colvin’s life was his involvement with the Saratoga Judo Club. He began attending classes at age nine and continued into adulthood, achieving the rank of purple belt. Despite challenges associated with an autism diagnosis, Colvin persevered and left a lasting impression on those he trained with. His mentors and friends describe him as good-natured, cheerful, and possessing a never-give-up attitude.

Colvin was predeceased by his great-grandmother, Virginia Backus, and great-grandfather, William Backus of Utica, New York.

He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Backus; his father, Brien Marr; his maternal grandparents, William (Katherine) Backus of Gansevoort and Sharyl Backus of Schuylerville; maternal uncles Steven (Taylor) Backus of Ballston Spa and William (Katherine) Backus of Burlington, Vermont; and great-uncle Robert Backus of Clifton Park. Colvin is also survived by his maternal cousins, Brynn and Brooks, children of Steven and Taylor Backus. Additional survivors include several paternal aunts residing in Queensbury, South Glens Falls, and Glens Falls, along with many cousins.

Those closest to Colvin admired his intelligence and perseverance. He had an ability to laugh at himself that gave him an endearing charm, and his hugs were given freely. Colvin endeavored to be accepting and kind to all. He will be forever loved for his contagious smile, insightful curiosity, and quirky sense of humor.