Richard Dean Marling

Richard Dean Marling

Richard Dean Marling died Monday, October 3, 2005, peacefully at his home in Eureka, at the age of 77.

Richard was born to Mary and Elza Marling in Troy Mills, Iowa, on December 10, 1927. He later lived in Quasqueton, Iowa, where he graduated high school in 1946. He later attended Iowa State at Ames and majored in animal husbandry. He also attended the University of California, Berkeley where he received his teaching certificate. He joined the Army in 1946 and became a water systems operator and served in Korea.

Richard was a lover of trees and the science of trees. He worked many years for Davey Tree Company and concluded his career at the City of San Mateo where he retired in 1992 as Superintendent of Parks. He was an instructor in Arboriculture at College of San Mateo for 14 years and Manager of the O’Conner Water Company of Menlo Park.

Richard enjoyed civic activities. He was a volunteer for the Stanford Area Council of the Boy Scouts; Commander of Coast Guard Auxiliary in Palo Alto. He was past President of the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation and National Arborist Association; board of directors of the International Society of Arboriculture.

He and Marcia enjoyed RVing, world traveling, gardening and music. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Menlo Park and Eureka Elks Lodge and two RV clubs.

He leaves his wife of 25 years, Marcia Macdonald Marling. They had recently returned to Marcia’s hometown of Eureka after living in San Mateo for many years. Richard also leaves his children, Richard Jr. and wife Gail of Oscoda, Michigan, Daniel and wife Patti of Ukiah; stepsons, Wally Cooper and wife Diana of Bayside, David Cooper and wife Mary of San Jose; granddaughter, Jessica Marling of Watsonville; and step-granddaughter, Anna Marcia Cooper of Bayside. He also leaves his ex-wife, Luella Marling of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; mother, Mary Marling of Iowa; sisters, Virginia Hassman, Dena Rector, Neva Walton; brothers, Harold Marling and Neville Marling; and brother-in-law, Jack Macdonald; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his children, Philip and Melinda Marling.

Visitation will be at Pierce Mortuary, 707 H Street in Eureka on Wednesday, October 5, 2005, from 1 to 5 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral service will be at Pierce Mortuary on Thursday, October 6, 2005, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Chuck Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Ocean View Cemetery, Eureka.

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