Kenneth Haskell Marsh Was Quiet Woodworker

Kenneth Haskell Marsh died peacefully at Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Oct. 28 after a long illness. He was born in Winchester, the son of Edna Merrill Marsh and Charles F.D. Marsh, but spent much of his life in Dexter, Me.

Ken was educated in Dexter and served in the U.S. Navy. Following his discharge, he owned a grocery store and auto body shop in Pittsfield, Me. He later became an insurance adjuster for Allstate Insurance Co. His hobby was woodworking and he was forced to retire early after an accidental fall helping a neighbor with home repairs impaired his motor skills so that he gradually could not care for himself. However, he never complained and was very grateful for the tender loving care that he received at Windemere.

Ken was a quiet, gentle man who was much loved by his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Frances, to whom he was married for more than 50 years; three sisters and one brother as well as three step-grandsons.

Kenneth and Frances moved to the Vineyard in 1993 and resided with Frances' daughter and son in law, Nancy and Donald Billings, in Oak Bluffs for 10 years before entering into Windemere together in 2002.

He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Eric and Kathy Marsh of Rockport, Me. and granddaughter, Terry Walther and her husband, Bill and two great-grandchildren, Eric and Kristen of East Harwich. Ken is also survived by his step-family on the Vineyard, Donald and Nancy Billings, David and his wife, Anita Billings, Amy Billings and her husband, Christopher Welch. He is also survived by Shirley and John Cooledge, Allissa and Dennis Stefonacci, all of Naples, Fla., and Navy Commander Scott Cooledge and his wife Joi of Jacksonville, Fla. and step-great-grandchildren Eva, Evan, Scott Michael, Andrew, Jaime Lynn, Samantha, Joshua, Keri and Kera. He also leaves nieces and nephews, Roger, Malcolm, Gregory and Jeffery Brawn, Marcia Stupakewicz, Gardner and Clinton Smith, Robert and Irving True and their families.

Any remembrances may be directed to Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Unit 3, P.O. Box 1747, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

Ken's interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Bluffs and was officiated by Rev. Mary Jane O'Connor-Ropp on Monday, Oct. 31. Arrangements were under the care of Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.