Robert Marsh
March 22, 1948 - August 23, 2022
Boise, Idaho - Dr. Robert (Bob) Lawrence Marsh was born on March 22, 1948 in Beaumont, Texas to Mabel and Lawrence Marsh. He passed away peacefully from natural causes on August 23, 2022, in his home in Boise, Idaho. Bob was an amazing father, grandfather, and friend. Spending time with his family was the number one focus in his life. His love and kindness for his family was passed down to him from his mother, Mabel. His children will always remember him as the dad that showed up. He never missed a recital or school performance. He was a volunteer for every field trip, embarrassing his kids by playing Raffi or The Sound of Music. While living on the Mesa, he befriended many of the neighborhood families. Those friendships lasted the remainder of his life. He was known for throwing large neighborhood parties to bring the community together over boxed wine and Jimmy Buffett.
Bob attended Lamar University for his undergraduate degree. He went on to earn his M.A. and Ph.D in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, graduating in 1975. Bob was a professor and department chair at Lewis and Clark State College, University of Colorado at Denver, and Boise State University. He retired from Boise State in 2017. He was endlessly passionate about teaching and mentorship as well as leadership throughout his career. He ran the internship program at Boise State for many years, helping countless students start their career in criminal justice. Much of his work and research was focused on reducing recidivism rates in prisoners and improving public safety through his work with the Idaho Legislature to reduce child abuse in the state. In the summers, Bob was a river guide, running trips down Hells Canyon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon rivers.
Whether it was visiting Cheeseburger in Paradise, dancing to Margartiaville in the living room, or taking his kids diving or fishing in wild places, he taught his children and grandchildren to have fun and value the outdoors and adventure. He spent many weekends in Lowman, fishing off 'Katie's rock' or at Miracle Hot Springs. When summer hit, the family spent time in Mexico, Central America, and Canada. While Austin and Katie were younger, he spent time driving his camper down to Baja, Mexico. He once came upon a checkpoint in the middle of the desert with a heavy military presence. During the stop, he pulled out a bag of Juicefuls and passed them out to all the men with automatic rifles. Their faces lit up and they were immediately at ease. Bob had that effect on anyone with whom he came into contact. His love of life, family, friends, and adventure will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his three children, Joshua (Natalie) Marsh , Austin (Staci) Marsh , and Kaitlin (Daniel) Thimann and his four grandchildren Samantha (13), Emily (11), Jackson (3), and Otis (1). He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mabel and L.P. Marsh of Beaumont, Texas.
Bob's memorial will be held at Lost Grove Brewery (1026 S La Pointe St) on October 9, from 10-1. Friends, family, former-students, and colleagues are welcome.

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Sep. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Marsh

Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.

3 Entries

emily

June 4, 2024

love you so much grandpa <3

C. Vogl

December 2, 2022

I was a student of Dr. Marsh at BSU from 2013-2015, including my Senior Capstone class for a B.S. in CJ. I was originally a music major at BSU and changed to criminal justice after just one elective class from a passionate teacher much like Dr. Marsh.

By the time I was a senior, I didn't really know what I was going to do with my CJ degree, I just knew that it was a very important field. I was also struggling in my personal life to the point that it was affecting my schoolwork. I was reluctant to ask him for help, but I didn't have to because he noticed by himself and offered it freely. His kindness and understanding through my personal issues made me respect him even more than I already did. Dr. Marsh was a phenomenal mentor and teacher through that experience and I don't feel like I would have graduated without him.

He also spoke frankly to me about the challenges of pursuing a graduate degree in CJ, and ultimately I decided that it wasn't for me at the time. Now, years later I was looking at going back to school and I wanted to seek out his input. Unfortunately, this is also how I learned he had passed away.

I just want anyone who reads this to know that he made a huge impact on his students and the community and academia will both miss him greatly.

Galen Carlson Fields

October 5, 2022

I met Dr. Marsh aka Bob aka D-Bob in 2002 as a student at BSU. He quickly began supporting my efforts in school, helped me get an internship at the US Attorney's Office, and added me to a research project of his for part-time employment a.k.a. survival for me and my children. He wrote letters of recommendation for awards, law school, a child custody determination, and judicial applications. He showed an interest in my children, one of whom had severe disabilities. Over the last 18 years since graduating, he has remained a friend and resource in my life. He invited me to a few boxed wine soirees at his house. He asked me to help fix Katie's hair for a school dance. He attended my son's funeral. I am grateful to have met such a real, down to earth human being who was deeply intelligent, sarcastic, and loved to laugh. Having had coffee with him in March, it seemed as if there would be many more coffees in the future and I am sad there won't be. All he talked about was his children and grandchildren, and what everyone was doing now. Although he had many things he could have complained about, he didn't. His daily visits to him mom were an inspiration. A light has gone out in this world and I will miss him.

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