Richard Ashley Marson

Richard Ashley "Dick" Marson was firstborn of John Ashley and Pauline Elinor (Wilkinson) Marson. He was born January 11, 1935 in West Seattle General Hospital, same hospital as his mother.

Two years later he was joined by twins Don and Donna. In 1947 his brother Philip completed the family. He often spoke of growing up with siblings two years younger and the adventures they shared and the challenges their parents had raising three teenagers at once. Although he was oldest and Phil the youngest, they shared a closeness he appreciated. A 1954 graduate of Edmonds High School, he married Joanne Annis in June of 1959.

A natural ability with electrical and mechanical items along with extensive self study and professional training, he often had his own business. He manufactured and marketed his own products. This included two patents that he searched and received the rights.

Always a stargazer from early childhood when he would creep out on the upper roof when his parents didn't know, until he bought a 10 inch telescope and used it until the Seattle night sky became too filled with light. He was very interested in the natural sciences and what was out in God's universe. Although he traveled much of the US, the favorite place for him to visit was the Oregon coast beaches. Preceded in death by his parents and stepfather Will Evans, and a stillborn son and daughter, Richard is survived by his wife, his sister and two brothers and their spouses and families. Also surviving are members of Joanne's extended family, including brothers-in-law Hoby Thacker and his sister's husband Ken (Jerry) Rice, and his special friend, business associate and lunch buddy of over 50 years, Jim Lowe.

A kind and thoughtful man, he was slow to anger and always gave people the benefit of the doubt, including the Seattle Mariners. Richard passed away peacefully in his Seattle home June 5, 2011 with his wife and sister by his side. At his request, no service was held. A large family gathering took place in happy remembrance of Richard. He is greatly missed.

His life was extended for over 10 years with dialysis from kidney failure. Please consider a donation to Northwest Kidney Centers, PO Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114-9900 or Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Avenue N., Suite #300, Seattle, WA 98109-5452.