Newmarket - Patrick Lee Marsh, 80, of Newmarket, NH, died peacefully at home following a lengthy illness. His wife of 21 years, Anita (Swenson) Marsh, was by his side.

Patrick was born in Seattle, Washington, son of the late Vera (Hill) and Leo Marsh. He was the youngest of three siblings, predeceased by his brother, Samuel Marsh and survived by his sister, Leilani Linden of Sherborn, MA.

The son of a Naval officer, Patrick spent his youth traveling and gaining appreciation for service and community. Upon the family's return to Washington, Patrick served in the Lowland Search and Rescue Unit in Washington State for three years.

At age 18, Patrick enlisted with the United States Coast Guard, and was stationed at the Salem Air Station in Salem, MA. While in Salem, he met and married Susan Scott and had two daughters, Deborah and Kristin.

After his enlistment with the Coast Guard, Patrick served as a special police officer in Danvers, MA, and then took a job with the Newburyport Police Department as a police officer and captain of their dive team. He was also a first aid instructor with the American Red Cross and an EMT.

Patrick attended the Framingham State Police Academy, graduating in 1972. While there, he won the revolver shooting competition with a score of 340 out of 360. It was one of the highest marks ever recorded at the Academy at the time. He also attended Merrimack College and received a degree in Human Services from Springfield College in Springfield, MA.

Patrick served Newburyport and the surrounding community for 25 years, retiring in 1995. Active in his retirement, Patrick contracted with OSHA to do safety inspections across the state.

Hiking and climbing were Patrick's passions and he ascended many of the NH48 peaks—the 48, 4,000-footers in New Hampshire. He also winter climbed Mount Rainier in Washington State, the first time in 1956 and again, 40 years later, in 1996. Patrick enjoyed golf, skiing, horseback riding, cartooning, motorcycles, bourbon, and cigars (not necessarily in that order).

Patrick showed great compassion and love for his wife, Anita, and for his two daughters and their families. He doted on Emma, their yellow Labrador, and Libby, a neighbor's black Labrador, who faithfully never left Patrick's side.

The family is also grateful for the love and support of Patrick's nieces Erin Marsh Arguelles and Aline Linden, and nephews Dan Marsh and Ian Linden.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Anita; sister, Leilani; daughter, Deborah Bruce and husband Dennis; daughter, Kristin Bly and husband Patrick; and grandchildren Conor Bruce and wife, Laura; Danika Bruce; Addison Bly; and Logan Bly.

Services will be private. Donations to the New Hampshire SPCA animal shelter, 104 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885, are gratefully accepted in Patrick's honor.

Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guestbook.