Alan Marston

Long time Palm Springs, Calif. resident, Alan Marston, passed away quietly in his home on April 14, 2010. His wife, Gaby de Lys Marston, of 40 years was by his side. Alan Lowell Marston was born on July 30, 1914 to Jane and Howard Marston of Lowell, Mass. He was born into a Boston first family where his grandfather owned woolen mills. He was educated in public and private schools and continued on to attend Harvard University. Alan's life was a diverse one. After graduating he became a publicist for the RKO theaters in New England. He was a jazz critic for 'Orchestra World' magazine where he wrote articles for Boston newspapers during the swing craze and was instrumental in launching the Benny Goodman Band and its creation. A season in summer stock at an east coast playhouse led him into an acting career. He came to Hollywood in the early 1940's and after declining a job with Walt Disney as an illustrator he was put under contract to MGM and Warner Brothers Studios. He had numerous roles in motion pictures and television including 'Sunset Boulevard' and the original 'Three Musketeers' to 'The Bob Newhart Show' and '77 Sunset Strip'. Alan retired from acting to Palm Springs in the 1970's but continued his writing. He was a screen writer and the writer of authoritative articles on Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman, Rudy Vallee, and Phil Harris for the Los Angeles Sunday Times. He also became a contributing writer for The Desert Sun. In September 2001, he wrote his last article for The Sun on Joe Masters in the Arts & Culture section. He loved writing and was able to have his novel 'Yesterday's Spring' published in 2003. Alan is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gaby de Lys Marston. He has one daughter, Jennifer Marston Merfy of Redondo Beach, Calif. who adored her father. He also was 'Grandpa Alan' to Ethan Merfy, Ryan Merfy and Christopher Saunders and 'Great Grandpa' to Canyon Merfy, Dylan Merfy and Eli Merfy. He was preceded in death by his only son, Jonathan Marston. Alan Marston had a very creative and full life. He found beauty and delight in life itself. His insight will continue to evolve through all he left behind. He will always be with us and was much loved by all he touched.