Final Salute

JOHNSON, Marshall Roland (Marsh) Passed away November 3, 2014 from causes related to Alzheimer’s disease. Born December 20, 1924, in Glendale, California, he was a third-generation Californian. Marsh was raised in Reno, Nevada, where he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouting gave him his lifelong love of our natural environment and care for our natural resources long before it became popular. At Reno High School, he met the love of his life, Blanche Capurro. They were senior class president and class secretary, respectively, and attended many class reunions over the years, culminating in their 70th class reunion in 2013. Marsh received his B.S. degree in electrical engineering during World War II through the Navy’s V-12 program. He and Blanche were married on July 14, 1946, and began their life together. Their love, devotion, respect and happiness through 68 years of marriage and many moves were an inspiration to all who have known them. Marsh’s outgoing personality, sense of humor and kindness brought him a large circle of friends from across the country and Europe. After graduation, Marsh began his career with General Electric. As an engineer, he also worked for PG&E, North Bay Electric, and Morganite. Called back to active duty with the Navy during the Korean War, Marsh served in the SeaBees. He was discharged from the Navy as a lieutenant. In 1959, he began what would become a 31-year career with Hewlett-Packard. Holding a number of positions with the company on both coasts, Marsh was a proud supporter of what became known as the “HP Way.” He retired from the company in Santa Rosa in 1990. Marsh was an avid skier into his 70’s, played tennis and took up golf at 75. He and Blanche enjoyed many ski trips with friends, as well as travels throughout the world. Always active and interested, Mr. Fix-it was also a devoted and generous father and grandfather. Marsh is survived by his wife, Blanche; son, Mark (Rick); daughter, Ellen (Bill); granddaughters Lauren (Chris) and Carlin; and great-granddaughter, Elodie. Special thanks go to the staff at The Terraces and Memorial Hospice for their loving care during these last months. A memorial service will be held at the Oakmont East Rec Center, 7902 Oakmont Drive, Santa Rosa, at 2:00pm, November 22, 2014. A gathering for Marsh’s interment will be held at a later date in Reno, Nevada. Donations in Marsh’s memory may be made to The Assistance League of Sonoma County (http://sonomacounty.assistanceleague.org/) or the Oakmont Community Church (http://www.oakmontcommunitychurch.com).