Henry Marsh Obituary

Marsh Jr.
Henry "Skip" Schuyler Marsh Jr.
September 15th, 1946 - March 12th, 2018
Henry "Skip" Marsh Jr. died at home on March 12th, 2018, at 3:22 pm, after a brave battle with melanoma. He was 71 years old.
Skip was born on September 15th, 1946 in Chicago, IL to Henry and Louise Marsh. He spent much of his childhood in Plymouth, WI, along with his younger brother David. He received his Bachelor's in Political Science, at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh in 1968; and his Master's of Arts in Government, at Ohio University in 1970.
Skip served as an active and reserve duty U.S. Army Captain in the Infantry and Intelligence branches. His professional career included over 44 years of business experience, primarily in intelligence and security hardware programs. He held positions of increasing responsibility in marketing and technical fields, serving as a manager, director, and Vice President of various defense consulting organizations. His work took him to locations around the world, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Panama, and Germany, where he managed special operations programs in support of the U.S. Army and Special Forces Groups. Domestically, Skip managed drug interdiction and surveillance hardware development programs for the National Narcotics Border Interdiction System and for the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He and his staff supported the FBI Crisis Response and Hostage Rescue Teams, in the successful rescue of nine hostages at a federal correctional institution. In addition, Skip facilitated security and sensor projects for His Royal Highness Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia, as well as for President George Bush Sr.
Skip was an incredibly intelligent, inquisitive person-a lifelong student who committed to his interests with passion and intensity. Among his many hobbies, Skip was a lover of rodeo, country music, and cowboy poetry; and spent many summers bringing his family to Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Pikes Peak or Bust rodeos. He was an explorer of history, deeply immersing himself in Native American culture, the American West, World War II, and religious studies. He introduced his family to classic Hollywood movies, to Frank Sinatra and Carmen McRae, and to old radio shows. Skip also spent many years rescuing orphaned vintage radios from eBay, which he lovingly restored.
Throughout his life, Skip embraced a "live for the moment" mentality. He was a dedicated athlete, who participated in bowling and weight-lifting; and he deeply loved mountain biking on trails near his home and in the Garden of the Gods. He was a skilled marksman with rifles and handguns, and enjoyed teaching his wife these skills. Skip was a known car enthusiast and active member of the Sports Car Club of America; was the founder of the National Triumph Club of America; and was a pit-crew member for Formula One racing, among others. In his later years, his joy was his new GT-350 Shelby Mustang, which he and his wife drove in the mountains for their Sunday dates. In addition to cars, Skip loved airplanes (specifically from World War II), and was thrilled when he was able to fly in a restored B-17 bomber, as well as a P-38 warbird from the Pacific Theater. His aviation interests also included the Colorado Springs Balloon Festival, which he attended with his family for many years.
Beyond his many passions, Skip was a wonderful friend, and had many friendships that lasted decades. He was known for his dry wit and sarcasm, his creative use of profanity, and his humorous stories. Skip was a mentor to many who imparted wise counsel and sound advice, and was described by those who knew him as "one of the good guys." In his later years, Skip was an active member of Wilson United Methodist Church, where he shared his extensive knowledge of scripture and religious history. As part of their spiritual practice, Skip and his wife participated in the Lord's Dinner for six years, providing food for impoverished and homeless members of the community. In his personal life, Skip was a tender-hearted animal lover who was very gentle and sweet towards his family's rescued cats, rabbits, and dogs. Most of all, Skip was a devoted husband, and best friend to his wife of 35 years.
Skip Marsh is survived by his wife, Jennie Stevens Marsh, and his two daughters, Cait Pfeifer (and her husband, Nick) and Alex Remy (and her husband, Jeremy). He is also survived by his brother, David Marsh; his sister-in-law, Cathy; his niece, Emily; an extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews; and his two hounds and six cats, who remain in the loving care of his wife.
A celebration of Skip's life will be held in May for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Skip's honor to:
Green Beret Foundation, 14402 Blanco Road, Suite 101, San Antonio, Texas 78216.