Former Sitkan
Bob Marshall
Dies at Age 79
Former Sitka teacher Robert E. “Bob” Marshall “went to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” on March 12, 2015. He was 79.
He was born Oct. 6, 1935, in St. Paul, Minn., to Joseph and Ruth (Haight) Marshall. He spent his early years in St. Louis, Mo., where he enjoyed everything the outdoors could offer, including hunting and fishing, which gave him an early sense of adventure and exploration.
Bob joined the U.S. Navy after high school graduation, and in 1956 he met the love of his life, Arliss Lee; and fortunately for him the feelings were mutual. They were married in Conway, Wash., in 1958.
Bob graduated from Western Washington University and taught school in Mt. Vernon, Stanwood, and Arlington Wash., before moving his family to Sitka in 1968. Bob taught at Blatchley Middle School from 1968 to 1984, and also spent numerous years as a commercial fisherman in the Sitka area.
In 1984, Bob retired from teaching and he and Arliss moved to Washington State before eventually returning to Alaska in 1997 to live closer to their son, Chris Marshall and family, in Wasilla.
Bob used his skills as a master gardener to beautify wherever they moved. Bob also used his imagination and adventurous spirit to pen and publish poems that described his love for God, nature and family. He was always known to give an encouraging word to people he encountered.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arliss; sister-in-law Mary Marshall of Gig Harbor, Wash.; three children and their spouses, Gwen (Phil) Younger of Scottsdale, Ariz., Chris (Kathy) Marshall of Wasilla, and Sally Kimmel; and former son-in-law Edward Kimmel of Sitka.
He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jessica and Cole Younger, Patrick and Eric Marshall, Rhys, Ryan and Becca Kimmel, Amerena Johnson (Jeremy); and 4-year-old great-granddaughter Ailee Johnson.
His priority in life was God First and Family Always as he lived out his faith through devotion to his wife and family. His example of faith, adventure, independence and a joy of living is his lasting legacy. His greatest joy was the times he was able to spend with all his grandchildren and simply enjoying the wonderful people they have become.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held 1 p.m. May 2 at Wasilla Bible Church, 1651 West Nicola Avenue, Wasilla, with the Rev. Mike Schwartz officiating, reception following.
Burial will be 10 a.m. June 8 at Sitka National Cemetery, 803 Sawmill Creek Road,.
Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Family Promise (homeless program for families) at 690 S. Knik-Goose Bay Road, Wasilla, AK 99654.
