Robert Edward 'Bob' Marsh was a lifelong resident of the Orofino area. He passed away on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Sept. 6, 1926 in Los Angeles, Calif. to Robert Georges and Mary Auverna 'Harris' Marsh. His mother's family homesteaded in the Grangemont area. When he was a little boy, his family lived in California, Washington before returning to the Grangemont area. Bob's mother passed away and Bob and his brother, Bill, were fostered in Grangemont by Fred and Hazel Frear.

Bob was schooled in Grangemont before graduating from Orofino High School. He then entered the service during World War II as a 2nd Class Gunner's Mate on the LST 892, completing his basic training at Farragut Naval Training Station. He received several medals during his time in the service.

After his honorable discharge in June of 1946, he took advantage of his GI bill and took forestry class in Seattle for six months. Bob then returned to Grangemont where he worked in the woods as a logger.

In early 1948 as the young man was spinning 'cookies' in Orofino and showing off in his car, he caught the disdain of a young woman, Evelyn McKinney who was with her friends and asked, "Who is that crazy fool?" The response was Robert Marsh. That encounter started the wild romance that lasted 68 years. They lived in O Mill for a short period and then bought the old Hudson place homestead, invested in Herefords and farming equipment.

Needing a tractor in 1946, Bob went to a dealer in Lewiston. Not only did he bring back a tractor, but word that there was a baby girl coming to the home that needed a family. They adopted the baby girl and named her Connie.

In 1970, they sold the farm and bought the Orofino Creamery and Feed Store, which was later named M Diamond Tack, Feed and Seed.

Bob decided to try his hand at retirement, which lasted a short time as he needed to work. He felled trees, cut yew wood, then ended with cleanup at the Konkolville sawmill until he was 83. The last seven years was spent with his family camping, picnics, and dinners. He was the best family man. He loved and supported them all.

He had many interests besides hunting and fishing. He was involved in the beginnings of the Clearwater Sheriff's Posse, Orofino Gun Club, Idaho Cattleman's Association, the Pine Grange at Grangemont, the VFW Post # 3296 and PLAY (Public Lands Access Year-round).

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