Chester Hugh Marsh

6.14.1934 - 12.23.2014 Hugh Marsh, 80, died suddenly on December 23rd, 2014. Hugh was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and a steadfast friend to many. He was born in Embro, Ontario, Canada, to Chester and Grace Marsh. His father was a miller, his mother a teacher. Hugh and his brother Barry enjoyed an idyllic childhood at the mill and farm. At 14, he was stricken with the polio virus, became a paraplegic and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. In 1950 the family moved to Ontario, California and Hugh graduated from high school and Claremont Men's College. He married his college sweetheart Karin in 1957 and their daughter Eden was born in 1958. Hugh worked as a disability advocate and publications editor in the first Jerry Brown administration in Sacramento. He was instrumental in starting the first Independent Living Resource Center in Berkeley. He worked in the aerospace industry at Aerojet and at Hughes Aircraft in Santa Barbara. In 1989 he joined the faculty at UCSB, teaching writing in the Engineering Department and the Writing Department. He loved teaching and his students adored him, many of them still keeping in touch after his retirement in 2004. He was a lifelong scholar, an avid reader, writer, poet and a member of the Shakespeare class at SBCC where he made many friends. He loved music and theater locally as well as in San Francisco and Los Angeles and was seen at concerts and theatrical events throughout the year, most particularly at his favorite Music Academy of the West summer classes and performances. Hugh was a loyal friend to many and will be remembered for his kindness, his tireless optimism, his sense of humor and sharp wit. He was a hopeless romantic and appreciator of all things beautiful. Hugh is survived by his wife Frances Shannon Marsh, her children Constance, (Felice) ,and Jonathan, by his daughter Eden, (Jay), granddaughter Lauryl, (Dustin), and great grandson Etienne. He is also survived by his brother Barry, (Cindy), and nephews Tom, Tim and Steve, and his honorary grandson Bruce Kim Jr. The family will have a private celebration in Hugh's honor. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to The Music Academy of the West in Hugh's name.

Chester Hugh Marsh

June 14, 1934 - December 23, 2014