Larry Edwin Marsh

Nov 16, 1951 -

Jan 4, 2024

Longtime Kasilof, Alaska, resident Larry Edwin Marsh passed away on Jan. 4, 2024, after a rapid case of acute leukemia.

Larry was born on Nov. 16, 1951, to Leonard and Rosemary (McIntyre) Marsh in Chamberlain, S.D. He spent his youth roaming the Missouri River breaks hunting, fishing, horseback riding and learning to love the outdoors. In 1970, Larry graduated from Chamberlain High School and began a multi-year cycle of studying biology and agriculture at South Dakota State University, alternating with time off to work and hitchhike around the U.S. In 1977, Larry fulfilled his dream of moving to Alaska to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks and work seasonally for Alaska Department of Fish and Game. In 1980, he returned to South Dakota to complete his B.S. in biology and in 1981, after helping his great-uncle Frank with one more calving season, decided that Alaska was his home. About that same time Larry reconnected with Carol Young, who he met while working for ADF&G, and they moved to the Kasilof area to find their forever home.

The next decades were filled with family life which included many hunting and fishing trips in Alaska and South Dakota, and welcoming sons Dylan (1987), Gavin (1988) and Justin (1992). Larry completed the Industrial Process Instrumentation Program at Kenai Peninsula College in 1989, and continued to work at ADF&G on Sport Fish projects from Ninilchik to the Russian River. With much encouragement from Carol, Larry started clearing and fencing pasture areas along with building a barn and in 2005, finally brought home our first two horses from South Dakota. In 2007, Larry retired and became a full-time caregiver to Gavin as well as a hobby hay farmer. He happily cleared and planted acres of fields around our house, hauled many trailer loads of tractors and hay equipment up the Alaska Highway and grew some quality hay crops. Larry spent many years on the Kenai Soil and Water Conservation District Board and was an active volunteer for Kenai Peninsula Back Country Horsemen.

Larry is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carol; son, Justin (Mariah); brothers, Dennis (Lori) and Jerry (Penny); as well as lifelong friends, Kevin Woster, Tom Clemens and Keith Talsma. He is predeceased by his parents; and sons, Dylan and Gavin.

All who knew Larry were aware of his lack of time management skills. I think we can agree that this is the one time he got there too soon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Marsh Farm on Aug. 10, 2024.