Nathaniel "Nat" Marden, 61, of Concord, Massachusetts died on June 1, 2012 at his home overlooking Fairhaven Bay. Born in Boston, MA, on March 3, 1951, he was the son of Helen Wright Marden of Concord, MA, and the late Robert (Bob) Marden of West Newfield, ME. He attended Kents Hill School in Kents Hill, ME. For over 35 years Nat dedicated his life to the stewardship of several pieces of conservation land in Concord. Most dear to his heart were the Wright Woods, purchased by his great grandfather, G. Fred Robinson, and donated to the Concord Land Conservation Trust by his grandmother, Helen Robinson Wright. In the fall of 2001, the CLCT awarded Nat the Conservationist of the Year Award for his initiative and leadership in battling the invasive water-chestnut plants that once clogged Fairhaven Bay. Over 200 tons of the plants were removed from the Concord River using the water-chestnut harvester in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the combined teamwork from the towns of Concord and Lincoln, and numerous volunteers. In 2003, the National Society of the D.A.R. conferred on him the Conservation Medal for his 25 years of commitment to conservation activities in Concord. In 2010, during the River Fest Celebration, Nat was given the River Stewardship Award for his contributions in the fight against invasive plants. In addition to his dedication to the care of land and river, Nat was also an avid gardener. He kept three plots for many years at the Hugh Cargill Community Garden, growing basil, tomatoes, beans, and more. Nat also belonged to the Musketaquid Art Association. There with others, he made many a puppet to be carried in the Earth Day Parade, most recently a unicorn made from bittersweet vines. Nat was a resourceful, hard-working, thoughtful, kind, and generous man. He knew about machines, land management, and about getting things done in a steady way without calling attention to himself or his accomplishments. He touched the lives of many people, lending them a hand, or visiting with them, listening carefully to and sharing genuinely in the stories of their lives. He reached out to many who were having hardships, always willing to lend a hand, heart, or home. In addition to his mother, Helen Marden, Nat is survived by his daughter Jessica Marden, his ex wife, Deborah Lee, his stepchildren Heather-Katie and John Aziz, his stepmother Christa Marden, and his fiance, Jenny Murphy, and his brother Christopher Marden and his wife Marsha. Nat was loved by many and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nat's memory may be made to the Concord Land Conservation Trust, Boathouse Fund, P. O. Box 141, Concord, MA 01742. A memorial visitation is scheduled on June 23, 2012 from 9:00 - 5:00 at the Pine Grove overlooking Fairhaven Bay, 892 Fairhaven Rd, Concord, MA. Parking is along Arena Terrace. We encourage all who can, to walk in along Fairhaven Road (1.1 miles) to the site of the memorial. A shuttle bus will be provided for those who cannot make the trip. Signs will be posted along the way. There will be a tent, memory board, and friends with which to remember and celebrate Nat's life. Guests are encouraged to bring poems, art, music and food to share. Arrangements are under the care of Susan M. Dee and Charles W. Dee, Jr., Directors, Dee Funeral Home of Concord. To share a remembrance in Nat's guest book please visit www.deefuneralhome.com
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Published in The Concord Journal from June 9 to June 16, 2012
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