MARSHALL SALZMAN

Marshall Philip Salzman
July 19, 1943 - August 7, 2012
Berkeley resident and inveterate sports enthusiast Marshall Salzman, 69, has lost the final game, defeated in his 20-year struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. Marshall was born in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of the late Jack and Lila Salzman. Marshall's family included a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom he was very close. After graduating from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY, Marshall attended Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations (1965), where he formed lifelong friendships. Following graduation, "Salz" moved to San Francisco and attended Hastings College of the Law, where he spent three years honing his skills as a bridge player. After passing the bar, Marshall worked as an attorney for VISTA in Redding, CA, as a volunteer "poverty fighter" from 1968-1970. There he became friends with the family of Judge Richard Abbe, and in 1970 married one of Abbe's stepdaughters (Martha Kirk Murray). Martha and Marshall first lived in Los Angeles, where daughters Rachel and Amanda were born, then moved to Berkeley in 1978.
Marshall was an attorney for the U.S. Department of Labor for 28 years, first in Los Angeles and then for 20 years in San Francisco. He was proud to uphold "truth, justice, and the American way," championing the wages, safety, and health of workers as a litigator for LMSA, OSHA, and MSHA. He enjoyed great amity with his co-workers, socializing after hours, and playing on office bowling and basketball teams.
As a father, Marshall believed his daughters should have the opportunity to play team sports, and in 1983 became one of the founders and later the president of the Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League. The principles of the league were that every girl be taught basic skill development and be able to play every position; the final scores were not emphasized. "My dad was a pioneer in recognizing the positive and transformative effects that athletics, competition, and team camaraderie can have on girls' development," recalls daughter Rachel.
The world of sport and competition was Marshall's passion. He always had a game on the radio or television, enjoying making predictions, analyzing, strategizing, criticizing, and studying technique. Encouraged by Judge Abbe, in 1978 he took up running, and participated in the New York Marathon in 1983 as well as many other half marathons. He also enjoyed many hours on the tennis court. His deep wealth of knowledge and ability to strategize served him in more intellectual endeavors as well; sister-in-law Elizabeth Murray said, "You always wanted him on your Trivial Pursuits team. He knew everything there was to know about politics, history, American presidents, social issues, the law, and a lot more."
Marshall was noted for his wit, humor, practical reasoning, tenacity, and acerbic insight. He was a devoted family man and dedicated community participant. He leaves behind wife Martha, daughters Rachel Ehlers (of Davis) and Amanda Luckey (of Oakland), sons-in-law Bryan Ehlers and Ariel Luckey, grandchildren Dylan and Chloe Ehlers, and Niko and Mateo Luckey; many dear friends from coast to coast, and an extensive family of in-laws and cousins.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date. For those who wish, donations may be sent to the Marshall Salzman Memorial Scholarship, Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League, 1700 Shattuck Ave. #28, Berkeley, CA 94709.