Many surfers with memories of the ‘80s and ‘90s will be saddened to learn of the death of Marvin Foster in Hawaii this week.

Marvin, 48, was found dead by his brother Kalani on May 18. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

He was a phenomenally gifted surfer who starred in surfing’s first video production, Quiksilver’s The Performers, and made many friends as he travelled the world as a competitor on the ASP tour.

Marvin was renowned for charging perfect Pipe on a 6’10”, long before smaller boards became popular among top surfers at the break. He broke the ice by going left off the ledge at Waimea Bay on solid days, and defined the backside tube line at Backdoor with his sleek, perfectly balanced style.

In recent years his life took a darker turn and he spent some time in prison on various charges. But to his many friends Marvin remained a gem, and local surfers were distraught to learn of his death. “He had a good heart,” “He had more than a good heart. He was special.”

Marvin is survived by his daughters Tiare Marr-Foster and Zjayna Foster, brothers Daniel, Cyrus, and Kalani Foster, and sister Pua McCormick.