John Leland Marsh

John Leland Marsh left us sweetly and peacefully for Heaven on February 17, 2023, while in the loving care of the staff at Ellen House Adult Family. He was born April 2, 1933, to Thomas and Mary Marsh in Bremerton, Washington.
John spent his younger years living by the water in Lemolo, Washington, a small community just outside of Poulsbo. He loved the water and from a very young age, and spent his days rowing in his small boat around Liberty Bay. As he got older, he worked at Ray's Marina, nearby Hansville, Washington.
John was very proud of his years of military service, often sharing stories of his many adventures and achievements. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Co B 803rd Tank Bn, at Poulsbo, Washington and was honorably discharged in 1952. His love of the water then led him to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the USCGC YOCONA (WAT-168). During his time of service, he received the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
John's accomplishments in life were many. He spent time as an agent in the insurance industry, but it was his love of the outdoors that led to his final career in parks and recreation. He began his career with Seattle Parks & Recreation, moved on to Port Angeles Parks & Rec, followed by Spokane Parks & Rec, Tri-Cities Parks & Rec, and then until his retirement, he served as the Director of Yakima Parks and Recreation. During John's years of serving with the Seattle Parks and Recreation system, he and his family spent many wonderful summers on Lake Chelan, boating and helping out the owners of the Cove Marina.
John was also an avid outdoorsman! He loved to hike, fish, and hunt. He often joined his sons and brother-in-law on climbs up Mt. Si near North Bend, Washington. This was in preparation to climb Mt. Rainier. John loved to hunt throughout his life, and did so into his 80's. Every Fall he would join his son Mike and the rest of the family for the annual black powder muzzleloader season, west of Yakima.
In 2002, John met his last love, Shirley Linton, through friends at their church, Wiley Heights Covenant Church. They were married in the church in May of 2003, and spent many years together as faithful members of the congregation. John and Shirley enjoyed many years of combined family gatherings, camping, travel, cruises, and sharing time together, gardening at their lovely home in the West Valley area of Yakima.
John's career in the Coast Guard led him once more to serve his country. He joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 83, Yakima, Washington, where he proudly served as an active member, and spent many hours serving his community. He cherished the many friendships made while serving. Among those, very dear to his heart were Gary and Sandy Rikerd, who were loved as family by both he and Shirley.
In his last few years, John was loved and cared for by the wonderful staff of Ellen House Adult Family Home. Many thanks to Cindy Clark and Jenna Hester, along with the loving staff that gave him comfort, exceptional care, and love and assurance in his final days. Thank you! Also, to Barb Farris Snell, of NW Nursing Consultants, for professional care and helping to place John at Ellen House so quickly and sweetly in his time of need,
thank you! Many thanks to John's favorite doctor, Dr. George Garfein, who always met John with a smile and "Hey Johnny, how are you doing?" John would light up the moment he walked into the room! Thank you, Dr. Garfein, for the many years that you cared for our dad, and for seeing him through to the end of his life. Sincerely, thank you!
John is survived by his children, Robert (Lynn), Scott (Laura), of Seattle, Washington, Mike (Rosemary) of Bremerton, Washington, Debbie (Charlie) Crosson, of Lake Stevens, Washington, Julie (Mark) Ford, of Darrington, Washington, Sue Marsh, of Granite
Falls, Washington, David Marsh, of Arlington, Washington, 13 grandchildren, and 22
great-grandchildren. On "Papa John's" and Shirley's side of the family he is survived by Gary and Sherry Benedetti, Dr. Gary and Sue Linton, Cathy Cockrum, Ron and Peggy Johnson, 10 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Linton) Marsh, son-in-law, John Cockrum, and his previous wives, Jo, Laurie, and Colleen.
John lived a full life and was very loved by his family and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed! Today he is young again, with his family gone before him, and in the arms of Jesus! It's not goodbye, but we'll see you later! Love you, Dad! Love you, Papa John!
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.