Harold Victor Marsh

First just the statistics. Born 11/17/1926 in Marshfield Wisconsin, the first child of Victor and Lydia Marsh. Married for 70 years to Barbara, the love of his life, until her passing on 7/24/2020. The pair raised four children Dan, Judy, Sue and Lon. 

He is survived by a sister Norma, 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Beyond simply Son, Brother, Husband, Veteran and Father to his kin, Harold was so many things to so many people. He was a friend to all, a mentor to many, an example to everyone and to his Savior, he was a loving and devoted servant. But Harold might best be defined by the things he wasn’t, the things he did not do. First, he was a man of faith and deep devotion. Harold did not judge how others practiced their faith, he did not simply pontificate his beliefs, he did not cajole or pressure others to conform. Yet he witnessed his faith in the most powerful way one can; he lived it every day. Harold’s life spanned significant cultural changes, many of which moved accepted norms contrary to his beliefs. Through it all Harold never became bitter, resentful or angry. He was the perpetual voice of reason. He welcomed everyone from friend to weary traveler regardless of religious or political stance. He offered advice, refuge and solace to all who sought him out. He was not loud. A man of deep thought he was often parsimonious with his words. He did not inject himself into any situation but somehow always managed to position himself to catch you, to be there when you needed.

Harold’s devotion to his family, however, is a tale of unconditional love and the embodiment of the American Dream. It should serve as the parenting textbook. Harold was determined to provide his children with a top-tier education built on a foundation of faith without separating the family. With nothing more than a 6-year-old F100 pickup saddled with a home-made camper, Harold moved his wife and four children to an uncertain future in Berrien Springs in 1968. Without question Harold’s language of love was service. Both he and his beautiful bride labored tirelessly during the ensuing years to secure his children the opportunity to achieve their dreams, often at the cost of his own. The selfless acts of love he performed for family are too numerous to recount, but the triumphs are easily tallied. His children all successful professionals and businessmen and among his grandchildren number MDs, DVMs and NPs. The achievements, all made possible by his unselfish labor, personal sacrifice and the strength of his character.

If one must, however, choose a single thing that defined Harold’s life it would be the love story with his wife Barbara. After serving his country in WWII, Harold met Barbara while attending Emanuel Missionary College (now Andrews University) in 1949. Barbara was often fond of saying she chased Harold until” he caught her”. It was the beginning of 70 years bonded together; but that was just the deposit on a love that will span an eternity. And it’s important to state they did not just survive that many years together, Harold spent every one of those years in love with the woman who adored him until the day she passed. Their love was honest and pure; almost palpable to those who knew them. His final words to her as he held her hand as she slipped her mortal bonds were “thank you Barb, it’s been a wonderful life.”

His passing was what one would script if one could do so. In the preceding hours he was embraced by the love of all his children and at that moment he heard “My good and faithful servant, your task on earth is done” he simply closed his eyes and departed. That, my friends, is a life well lived.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday January 20 at Pioneer Memorial Church Berrien Springs at 4:00 PM.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs.