John Marchand

John Richard Marchand, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Born on August 17, 1956, in Houston, Texas, John's life was a testament to his enduring spirit, his commitment to friends and family, and his passion for the world around him.

John's journey began as the beloved youngest son of Edith and Earl Marchand, both of whom predeceased him, and grew alongside his siblings David, James, the late Steve, and Sherry. His family life was enriched when he met Reanie at Hartman Junior High, a meeting that would blossom into a lifetime of love. John and Reanie married in 1979. Together, they raised a family that included their daughter Katie and son Kyle. Their family grew with their son-in-law David Walker, and daughter-in-law Stephanie Marchand. John's role as a grandfather to Ellery, Emma, and Gabriel was one of his most cherished.

John's childhood was filled with adventures that included camping, Boy Scouts, competitive swimming, and sailing on the Texas oceans and lakes. He had a deep connection with nature, often playing and exploring along the banks of Sims Bayou and creating lifelong memories with his Palomino horse, Tiko, and the raccoons he raised with his sister. His love for the Texas Coast and hill country never waned, and he often remarked that the outdoors was his gym.

John's educational path was as heartfelt as it was practical. After attending Ross Sterling High School, he transferred to Milby High School to be closer to Reanie. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Texas at Austin, where he followed in his father's footsteps and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1979.

Professionally, John began his career as an Assistant Project Manager for the Emde Company in Houston. His drive soon saw him become one of the founding members of Dynamic Systems Incorporated (DSI) in Austin. John was pivotal in the preconstruction efforts of DSI, particularly within the semiconductor industry. His leadership was instrumental in the company's work with giants such as Motorola, Cypress Semiconductor, Samsung, Sony, Hitachi, and Intel. John's dedication and analytical mind laid the groundwork for the sustained growth and success of DSI.

A man of many interests, John's favorite pastime was gardening. His grand projects were a sight to behold, and he was not above renting a Bobcat to bring his ultimate home garden vision to life. His love for classic rock music was a perfect fit for Austin's vibrant music scene, where he enjoyed many live performances with Reanie and friends. John was also a culinary enthusiast, known for whipping up amazing dishes from seemingly random kitchen ingredients, as well as his homemade bread and ice cream.

John never met a stranger and could always strike up a conversation no matter the event. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and the indelible impact he left on his family, friends, and the industry he helped shape. His family would like to thank everyone for their memories they shared over the years. May you each reflect often on those great times John was with you. He loved you all. John Richard Marchand will be deeply missed, yet his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.

A Celebration of Life event honoring John, will be held on Thursday, March 5 at 3pm at Canyonwood Ridge, located at 250 South Canyonwood Dr., Dripping Springs, TX.