1924 – 2015

SPARKS, Nev. — Jack Marsh, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 14, while visiting his daughter in Sparks, Nev.

He was born on March 1, 1924, in New Britain, Conn. While growing up, he spent his summers at Scout camps in Maine, He started his freshman year at Colby College in Waterville. After one semester, Jack and friends decided to join the U.S. Marines.

After his service time, he took a job as a waterfront director before returning to Colby College. It was there that he noticed a young lady swimming alone and went to tell her that wasn’t allowed — and ended up asking her for a date. He married Kathryn “Kitty” Hallenbeck on Sept. 19, 1945. That union produced three children and they had just celebrated 61 years of marriage before her passing in 2006.

His first job after college graduation was as a social worker. He spent 25 years working in Dover-Foxcroft, Augusta and Lewiston. Jack ended his career at Pineland. He also sold World Book.

Jack was a voracious reader, deeply moved by classical music, and had a passion for hiking. Most weekends were spent climbing mountains on the Appalachian Trail and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, well into his 80s. At age 54, Jack spent a summer backpacking through the Green Mountains of Vermont to the White Mountains, finishing at the top of Mount Katahdin. He also jogged four to five times a week. His last 5K race was with his grandson at age 80.

Filled with compassion, Jack made friends easily and maintained contact throughout the years with many of them. One of his favorite quotes was “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.” He never weakened. One of his favorite heroes of all time was Abraham Lincoln.

His family and friends will remember Jack as a truly generous soul with a positive attitude. He was a valued friend, loving husband, wonderful father and a joyous grandfather.

Jack’s spirit is carried on by his three children, Karen Reynolds, Sparks, Nev., Paul (Maria) Marsh, Fallon, Nev., and Andy (Anna) Marsh, Minot; five grandchildren, Jennifer Reynolds, Stefanie Reynolds, Kendall (Kate) Marsh, Charles Marsh and Veronica (Tom) Story.