Russell E. Marsden
Russell E. Marsden, 82, died January 1, 2011, at Belknap County Nursing Home in Laconia, NH. He was born July 23, 1928 in Taunton, MA, to Ernest and Gladys (Horton) Marsden.
Russ was an insurance agent, real estate broker and developer for many years in the Taunton area prior to his moving to Thornton in 1977, after purchasing the Gilcrest Motel and Cottages. Soon after, he became a real estate broker in NH and developed Country Acres and loved its residents - his neighbors. He was proud to have served Thornton as Tax Collector for many years and to have served the Chamber of Commerce as its president. He sold nursery stock and ultimately developed and ran N. H. Nursery Sales for a number of years.
The Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival, now in its 19th year (2011), was a dream born from Russ's love of the area, his propensity to introduce it to others and a strong desire to bring quality family entertainment to the local residents. During his "retiring years" golfing and meeting beloved friends at festivals in Florida during the winters brought great pleasure to Russ and his wife.
He was a member of the Thornton United Methodist Church, Olive Branch Lodge No. 16, West Thornton Grange #253 and the Waterville Valley Region Chamber of Commerce. He also served as Master of the Masonic Lodge and as Patron of the Order of Eastern Star in Rehoboth, MA.
IN HIS LIFE: Beloved members of his family include his wife of 45 years, Susan (Bolen) Marsden of Thornton; a daughter Kathleen (Marsden) Bright of West Palm Beach, FL; a son Jeffrey R. Marsden and his wife Melanie of Alstead, NH; his beloved grandchildren Rebecca (Bright) DesLosReyes and her husband Julian of Chapel Hill, NC; Abigail Bright of West Palm Beach, FL; and Sara, Tess and Owen Marsden of Alstead, NH. Siblings include his sister and brother-in-law Gladys (Marsden) and Richard Renoe of Alexandria, NH; and brother Robert Marsden of Taunton, MA; and several nieces and nephews.
