NORTH SUTTON, NH — Mark Clayton Marsh, a longtime resident of Orford, NH, passed Sunday, July 26, 2020 in West Lebanon, NH. He was born in Lebanon, NH on August 12, 1955 to Helen (Huckins) and Leon C. Marsh, Jr.

Mark was a voracious reader and a darned good writer as well. He had many interests which included racing, local and national politics, and history – especially the US Civil War which included a few trips to Gettysburg.

He loved his family, race car driver Bill Elliot, the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, his country, the Upper Valley, music, switchel, Moxie and more.

He attended Fairlee grammar school and graduated from Orford HS in 1973 where he was an exceptional athlete and later continued to compete on local town teams as a young adult.

After high school he completed heavy equipment operators’ school in Scranton Pennsylvania and enjoyed being on equipment whenever he could.

But Mark was born with racing in his blood. He would race minibikes by getting older cousins to take him and his bike to tracks. Once he had his own driver’s license, he raced cars for many years at all the tracks in the area. Mark was a fortunate racer because it was a family affair with a dedicated and talented crew with great memories and successes. When the tracks were covered in snow for many years, he turned to coaching the next generation of basketball players interacting with the many youth and adults that were involved in the programs.

He worked as a respected machinist and welder for Hypertherm for 29 years being one of the first handful of associates hired by the standout company.

Once he left Hypertherm he kept himself busy for several years by helping people and they him at the Upper Valley Haven, the Turning Point and AA battle the same struggles he had faced. He opened Forrest B’s pool and billiard hall. A dry billiard parlor that catered to youth.

He was preceded in death by his father Leon Marsh, Jr. Leaving his two very accomplished and beautiful daughters, Hillary and Meagan Marsh, who he shared and loved with his ex-wife, Esther Dobbins Marsh; his mother, Helen Marsh; his brother, Scott, and his wife, Deborah Marsh; nieces, nephews, as well as aunts, Diane Claflin, Dot Covey, Barbara White; uncle, Raymond Marsh; many cousins, friends and his special friend, Cynthia Foster, and her sons, Ben and Drew Benson, and their families.

He will be missed.

“Somewhere over the rainbow where troubles melt like lemon drops”

A private family service will be held later.

Donations may be made to the Upper Valley Haven in memory of Mark Marsh. Gifts in Mark’s memory will be used to provide financial assistance to women in recovery. Women in early recovery struggle with various vulnerabilities; financial assistance can bring stability to help sustain their recovery. Mark supported many people early in their recovery, and he recognized and assisted with the additional challenges that many women face in early recovery.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.