Richard Palmer Marsh

Richard Palmer Marsh, age 72, died April 20, 2006, at his home in Greenville, CA. Richard was born in New Britain, Connecticut on August 18, 1933. Richard lived in Newington, Connecticut until graduating from high school. He attended Tufts University for one and a half years before entering the Army in 1954. After his discharge from the service, he moved to Tempe, Arizona, where he attended Arizona State University, graduating with a BS in Chemistry and Math in 1957, and a Masters in Counseling in 1958. Richard met and married his wife Betty in August 1958 in Phoenix, Arizona, where she attended Good Samaritan School of Nursing. They were married for 48 years. Richard started teaching in 1960 in Glendora, CA at Glendora High School where he taught Chemistry and Geometry. In 1963, the family moved to Santa Maria, CA where he taught at Allan Hancock Junior College. He instructed students in Chemistry, Astronomy, Biology, Algebra and Trigonometry during his 30 years at Hancock. He loved teaching the students. It gave him such joy to watch and see what his students achieved in their lives. Richard went on to receive his Doctorate in Administration from Washington State University in 1972. Richard participated in a variety of activities ranging from Scout Master for a number of years, bowling instructor, and basketball coach when his sons were growing up. Richard belonged to the Elks Club, Masons and the Moose Lodge. He was also an avid golfer! After retiring, he and Betty moved to Greenville, CA in 1996, where they built their dream home in Indian Valley. As a veteran, he also became a volunteer driver for the VA van, taking veterans from Quincy to Reno. Although he experienced some health issues, he continued all sorts of projects. Richard and Betty were just finishing up a metal garage. Richard loved hunting, fishing, the wildlife and scenery of the mountains in the Indian Valley, and every season had its beauty! They were also active in the Indian Valley Jeep Club, enjoying many outings in the surrounding areas. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Palmer and Gretchen Larson Marsh. He is survived by his wife Betty, and sons John Marsh, wife Debbi, grandchildren Megan and Eric of Santa Maria; Mark Marsh of Kekaha, Hawaii; and Paul Marsh and wife Danielle of Santa Maria. He also has a brother Paul and his wife of Tucson, AZ. He will be greatly missed by his companion Jill. A Celebration of Richard's life will take place 11:00 AM Monday April 24th, 2006 at the Greenville Southern Baptist Church located at 241 Greenville-Wolf Creek Road Greenville, CA.. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at www.fehrmanmortuary.com. The family suggests any remembrances in Richard's memory be made to a favorite charity of the donor's choice.