Marc Decoteau Obituary

To the family and friends of Spc. Marc Decoteau:
Always remembering Marc. "Some gave all."

Marc,
Remembering you at Christmas in heaven with so many others who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Marc,
Thinking about you in heaven at this special time of the year.

Marc,
We never knew each other, but I think about you, and your sacrifice. Sometimes I forget your last name, but thanks to a special person, we will always have your Guest Book to visit.
God bless you Marc.

In memory of Marc. Gone much too soon. We will also be grateful to Marc DeCoteau.

I was thinking of this brave young man a few days ago without realizing the anniversary of his passing was approaching. My prayers and thoughts go to him, his family, friends and the other fallen soldiers.

January 29, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Marc Decoteau:
Please accept my remembrance of Marc on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

One year in Heaven for Marc. My condolences again to his family and friends for his and their sacrifice for our freedom. My respect too for all the others who have served this great country and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

To the family and friends of Spc. Marc Decoteau:
Remembering Marc on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Andrew, Maddie, Nancy, and Mark--- As the awful anniversary approaches I think of nothing else and hold you all in my heart.
Love and prayers,
Susan
Newburgh ME

I posted my condolences here months ago, but for some reason despite the fact I never knew Marc or his family, I think about him often. I see others feel the same way.

I will never forget you. I hope everything is going well up there, you're in a better place now. I pray for you and your family.

You are in a better place now, rest easy and take care of your loved ones.

To the family of Spc. Marc Decoteau:
Marc gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the Decoteau Family.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. Heroes are few and far between. Know in your heart and mind that your son is standing proudly watching over you from heaven. May God Bless you and Keep you during this time of sorrow. I will forever keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
A Proud Military Mom.

So incredibly sorry for the loss of a young man who was not afraid to serve his country during these uncertain times. I hope, knowing he was in a familiar place, surrounded by comrades, has brought you SOME comfort.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Spc. Decoteau and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of freedom and liberty. Sadly, America has lost one of its finest heroes, the U.S. has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage, which they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Spc. Decoteau has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends, of Spc. Decoteau, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to carry on. Just as you were always with him when he was deployed overseas, know that he will always be with you wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Spc. Decoteau was a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never, ever forget their sacrifices."

Spc. Decoteau the flag of the United States of America has your blood sewn into the fabric; it shall forever wave in your honor.

Freedom requires sacrifice the protected will never know.

Patriot Guard Riders of South Texas

Every day i am haunted by January 29. I will never for the rest of my life forget what happened. I miss you man.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My son Niko, spoke wonderful things of Marc. They were at Ft. Bragg together both in psyops. I know they spent a lot of time together and shared many of the same interests in High School. (Drama and lacrosse) I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Nancy, Andrew, Mark and Maddie,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart broke for you and your family when I heard the news. Hold those precious memories of Marc close and take comfort in the love and prayers of friends and strangers alike. Warmly, Nancy Higgins- Annex School

May our Lord keep Marc close and the Decoteau family even closer. We here at St Francis Pack 507 Cub Scouts offer our prayers and thoughts at this time. Words fail to express how our heart feels for all of you.

We are forever in your debt. God Bless

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Marc will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .


Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt

SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

Our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to you Marc and Nancy as well as to Maddie and Andrew and your entire family. We are devastated to have learned of Marc Paul's death. We wish we could have met him to shake his hand in person and tell him how very proud of him we are for the service he has given for his country. May he rest in peace and may you find peace and comfort in the knowledge that he is safely home with God. We embrace you and weep with you. Lovingly, Kent, Ingrid, Philip and Nick Troy

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to our Brother-in-Arms Spc. Marc Decoteau. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Marc. And to Marc it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Marc, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,353 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Marc’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

REST IN PEACE SPC. DECOTEAU, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU MARC

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am, to learn of the loss of Spc. Marc Decoteau.
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly and having lost a brother to war...
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, that seems to surface through our shock, as the time passes.
In the days ahead, you will be going through unimaginable grief, please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.

May the memories of your Brave Young Soldier, remain in your heart always and give you strength through the difficult days and may Marc rest safely now, in the Loving Care of God and know that he Will Never Be Forgotten.

I am the sister, of such a 19 year young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

Sincerely hoping that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Grateful Country Mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A True American Hero to all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the Family of SPC.Marc Decoteau,

You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.

Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of a brave young man such as Marc.

From a Stranger who truly cares.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Even though I did not know Marc or his family, I want to send me heartfull sympathy to his loved ones. He joined the army unselfishly to keep us all free. Thank you Marc,You are a hero.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I just briefly assigned in the same unit at Bragg as Marc and he was a special person and Soldier. Josh

Dear Mark;

My wife and I extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family during this tragic time in your lives. I know your sorrow goes beyond what words can relieve. From all that I have read and heard about Marc, your son was a wonderful person and a son I am sure you are extremely proud of. As an American, I owe you and Marc my deepest respect for his willingness to protect my freedom. Your son is a true inspiration to all of us.

Sincerely,
Steven & Lynn Murdough

always in the hearts and minds of all far away have a nice ride marc ill see u someday

I did not know you Marc. But to touch that many people, in such an awesome way, that young, speaks what a totally special person you are. Mom and Dad, and family...my sincere prayers are with you. He is making Heaven a better place for all of us..

Mark, Nancy, Maddie, and Andrew,

I cannot believe how time has passed. My memory of Marc Paul is of him as a capricious and playful toddler. You opened your home in such kindness to me during our time at West Point. Thank you for being a family for me when I needed a home away from home. Your kindness and example and love as a military family have helped me as an officer, husband, and father. I am in shock and sorrow for you and this tragedy. There is nothing I can say to comfort other to let you know the love and kindness you showed to me have helped me do the same for others.

My deepest sympathy,
MAJ Eric Duckworth
2-1 CAV, Taji, Iraq

Although I didn't know Marc all that well I have heard many great stories about him. I am in school with his brother, Andrew, and he has always talked very fondly of him and I know they have always been very close. I wish the best to his family while going through this hard time.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Decoteau family. May it bring you comfort to know that so many people loved Marc and have wonderful memories of a true hero. I will never forget when your family moved into Waterville Valley and the time i was able to spend with a young Marc. He will be missed.

Although I did not know PFC Marc Decoteau or his family, my heart and prayers go out to his family due to the premature loss of their precious son. He died a true Hero, and may his dedication to serving his Country continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him. May the good Lord bless him and his family.

Dianne Dickinson Rickson, Vero Beach, FL (formerly of Gilford, NH)

To the Decoteau family, Although this is a painful time for you, know that there is a special place in heaven for men who die while pursuing justice for their country. God Bless and lead you during these difficult times!

When I got up early this morning, it was very cloudy out there, I could not see half mountains.
As his funeral gets closer... all the big mountains, covered with snow, and out there standing proud - even Mt Washington. It brought a tear to my eyes. Even New Hampshire itself is standing by him and his family today.

Rest In Peace fellow Bobcat. Rest In Peace. Though I can't be there in body, I'm there in Spirit.

To the Decoteau Family
Marc Paul had the world ahead of him and he unselfishly joined the Army after H.S. to defend his country to keep us all free. An amazing young man. We all pray for and bless Marc and your entire family. A hero to his country, God will embrace him along with the angels. God bless you. Our entire country is so proud.

Dear Decoteau family,

The news of Marc's ceremony was in the national press and I happened on it this morning. I HAD to take a moment to express my condolences toyou and your loved ones. I don't understand why... But I can understand grieve and loss and just try to draw strength knowing there are millions of strangers who shed a tear for the loss of your Marc and extend condolences from across the miles.

Marc, Nancy and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May all the memories of Marc Paul bring you comfort.

Rich,Angie,Jess & Alex Gray

To the Decoteau Family
I and my son are both enlisted Soldiers in the PSYOP community. We have never met nor have I ever met your son but, I had heard only great things about him. My family and I wish to extend our deepest condolences.

SFC Richard D. Schultz, SOCEUR
PFC Robert J. Schultz, A CO 9th PSYOP BN
Schultz Family

Dear Nancy and Mark and all of your extended family and close friends,
It's been many years since we have talked Nancy, but my thoughts and prayers are with you all. It's hard to believe that you even had a 19 year old son, and two others, since we were all kids together in Otisfield, Maine. Although we did not know Marc, I know your family, and from all accounts he was a fine son, soldier, brother and friend. You are blessed to have such loving family and friends to see you through this most difficult time. And please know that our family has you close in our thoughts too.
With love and friendship,
Sonia (Jackson) Skoglund and husband, George, of Denmark, Maine and Ivan, Louisiana and OHHS alumni

To The Decoteau Family,
Though we have never met, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you.
Your son made the ultimate sacrifice for us all. May God bless you and yours in this time of sorrow.

So many people--army wives, mothers, veterans, and friends--have been touched by Marc Paul's heroism and the short story of his life. There is no end to your great loss, and we hope his family can remember the happy times of Marc's life. God bless you.

Momma and Papa Bear, I dont even know what to say! I love you guys so much and I am sadden by the loss of Marc Paul! I loved him so much and when my brother told me I cried the whole way home from work. I am soooo sorry for your loss, my thought and prayers are with you. Please, if you need anything cal me! I would love to rewind and babysit for you guys again and make mud pies! I love you with all my heart.

Dear Mark and Nancy, I was so sorry to hear of the death of your precious son. Knowing that he will surely be severely missed by all who know him also know that he is at peace in God's hands. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts.

To the Decoteau Family,
Although we have never met you or Marc, as a fellow Scouting family, we mourn for your loss. He served honorably and we thank him. Our son, is a student up at Plymouth and had been in contact with you regarding Scout volunteer opportunities. While he has yet to start, he will definitely be there tomorrow helping to line the streets of Plymouth in salute. Words cannot express how deeply we feel but do know you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Sincerely, The Paxton Family
West Haven, CT

As another fellow Army parent, I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son. My son is currently serving in Iraq. Marc will remain a hero in our hearts for his bravery and sacrifice. God bless you all.

I am so very sorry for you and your family. I lost my brother while he was in the navy in 1982. I have done a great job keeping his memory alive. Time may heal your wounds but its your love that will keep him in your hearts and souls. God bless you all.

My prays are with the family at this time. Your son is a hero in my eyes. Going on the front line of this war. My husband will be deployed soon. I can only imagine your pain. God bless this family.

As a fellow Army parent and grateful American I want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. I cannot fathom the loss that your family is feeling, put please take some comfort in your memories and the embrace of the community that surrounds you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

You don't know me but your son's story touched my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and all your family in this time of sorrow. I thank the soilders everyday for our freedom, And know that God has another angel in his arms.

Dear Marc, Nancy, Maddie and Andrew,
As for pain, our family is really hurting both for you and for ourselves. "Shock" better describes what we've been going through this week. We loved Marc too, and we love you all. But more importantly we Praise God that He is alive and able to carry you through all the tough days both now and ahead. One critical thing the Obituary left out that will help carry you through is the memories of the CLOWN Marc was. He was a fun loving nut, who really loved God. That's the Marc we'll remember.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I don't know your family personally but have two sons in the Army and my heart breaks for your loss. Marc gave the ultimate sacrifice of his life to defend our freedom. I will carry his name in my heart and will be forever grateful for his service to our country. God Bless Marc and your family. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days to come. May your memories be a source on comfort. With deepest sympathy.

I didn't personally know your son, but I want to tell you have very sorry I am for the pain you are feeling in your heart and soul, and I am sorry that your family has to endure this loss of an amazing boy. I would have liked to thank him for his service and ultimate sacrifice to our Country, he joined in a time of war and that is honorable and heroic. He must have been a very brave and couragous young man. All qualities that show good character. You raised an amazing son, who gave his life for others, that is the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you in your mourning, and give you peace. <3
~Kendra Guay & family~

Mark and Nancy,

I am so sorry about Marc. My prayers are with you and the children. My scout troop obligations on Saturday prevent me from being there with you but I will be there in spirit standing at attention in my Honor Guard Blues and playing Taps for Marc and your family. "Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the lakes, from the sky, all is well, safely rest, God is nigh!"

Godspeed, Marc. Your big WV family will watch over your Mom and Dad and sister and brother. A small town with a very big heart.

I wish I knew what to say to make this all go away. As an Army wife, seeing this obit is just another reminder of how so many men and women risk their lives for the freedoms we have. Your parents have a lot to be proud of. You sounded like a real, stand-up guy. God Bless you. Watch over those left behind and keep other soldiers safe for us.

Hi Mark & Nancy,
We were so sorry to hear about Marc. I remember him at True Memorial. So glad you have the knowledge he is with His Savior. That makes all the difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jan & Ron Furbush , E Rochester

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Even though we've never met it is very sad to hear that I've lost a cousin of mine. May God bless you and provide you with the strength you need. Love Michelle (Marcotte) Young

I did not know your son, but as a mother my deepest sympathy for your family. How Proud you must be of your Son.

Laurie, Fremont NH

Mark, Nancy, Maddie and Andrew-
There are no words to express the grief and sorrow you must be bearing. May the Lord sustain you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. I wish you all peace, strength & comfort now and forever. Your son is a hero. Thank you so much.

Mark and Nancy, we have always loved you and your 3 amazing children -- and we love you even more now for the sacrifice that your family has made for our ongoing freedom. There are no words for the pain and sorrow. You remain in our hearts and prayers and we will forever cherish our memories of Marc Paul.

You are in our thoughts and prayers! We are deeply sorry for your loss. May God comfort and sustain you in this time of sorrow.

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household world that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It it the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.

Henry Scott Holland, 1847-1918, Canon of St Paul's Cathedral

This short verse has helped me at times. Hope it helps ease your tremendous pain a bit.

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I never met your son but I am a military mom and I am so sorry for your loss. Your son is a true hero!

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your son.

I too am an Army Mom with my son being deployed next month.
Your son and everyone else stationed over there are hero's in my eyes.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. But you have the assurance that one day you will see him again. God Bless You!!

You family is in my thoughts and prayers

Decoteau Family- Marc touched my life, and many other with his incredible sense of humor. He was probably the happiest, smiliest guy i have ever known. He will be truly missed. I know he is looking down on you with the biggest smile possible.

Mark, Nancy and Family, We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you in your time of sorrow. The Garcia Family, Farmington, NH

My husband and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to your family. Your son made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and we want you to know that he will not be forgotten. Words cannot begin to express our sorrow for your family but please know that there are many people thinking of Marc and your family at this very difficult time.

Nancy, Mark and Family,
Our thoughts and prayer are with you in your time of sorrow!

To the Decoteau family- May God wrap His loving arms around you all as you mourn the loss of your son. Your sacrifice was great so that others can be free.

My family & I are so sorry for your great loss. Your son, Marc, gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country & for this we will be forever grateful. Thank you for raising such a wonderful, giving young man! You are in our thoughts & prayers as are all the U.S. troops & their families. May God bless you all.

Dear Decoteau Family:
Wishing you solace as you share this sad time. May the angels hold you close.

You are in our thoughts and prayers, we feel honored that you are letting our son Marshall be a part of the memorial. He spoke of Marc frequently during the Holidays before they left, and thought of him as a younger brother. We will never forget Marc as being a hero that touched our life.

Marshall, Ramona and Shelby Howington

To Marc, Nancy and family. I was crushed when I heard Monday about Marc. I sit with tears in my eyes for him and all of you. I know he was a fine young man from all I've read. My family has you all in our hearts and prayers.

My heartfelt sympathy to your family. This young man is a hero who gave his life so that we can continue to live in freedom. God bless you all.

I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of PFC Decoteau. May you find comfort in the fact that your son was and forever will be a hero. Be proud!

Nancy, Mark, Maddie and Andrew,

I received the news of your loss on Sunday and wish to say how sorry I am. I did not know Marc, but from knowing you, Mark and Nancy, I am certain he was a wonderful young man. My heart goes out to you.

Please know that your friends from Oxford Hills are all thinking of you and send their condolences at this most difficult time.

God bless you all,

Kristi

RIP

Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you, dear parents, siblings, family and friends of this fine young man. God Bless you all with His Peace and Presence.

God Bless your son Marc and and his fellow service men and women who gave their life to protect us.Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. Shawn and Annette Perry (Union,NH)

Mark, Nancy, Maddie & Andrew: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

My nephew, who is also in 6th PsyOp Bn and deployed with Marc told me about your son. God bless you and your wonderful son.

Thank you PFC Decoteau and God Bless your family.

I did not know Marc or his family but would like to say THANK YOU to him for helping to keep me free. I had a brother named Marc who died recently and he served in the Air Force. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who have passed while serving their country (and those who continue the fight for freedom). He was a hero in my book.

Reading this obituary broke my heart and I didnt even know Marc. I am so sorry for your loss, May his family find peace in this long difficult road ahead.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Marc sounds like a wonderful son and his time here was to short. I thank Marc and his fellow soliders for their service to our country, may God bless Marc and comfort you.

I too am a virtual stranger to Marc and his family,however, I am compelled to say thank you to his family for raising such a wonderful son,and for his unselfishness in giving his life so that we may live free and safe. God Bless you all. My sincere sympathy at this very heartbreaking time. May your memories comfort you. God Bless you all.