WHITING — It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Gordon “Gordy” F. Marsh Jr., 73, of Whiting. He passed away peacefully at UVM Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends on Feb. 25, 2023. He is reunited with his wife Cheri, who passed three weeks prior.

Gordy was born Sept. 9, 1949, in Middlebury, Vt., to Gordon and Mary (Palmer) Marsh. He grew up in New Haven, Vt., and after high school, he enlisted in the Army, where he was stationed in Turkey during the Vietnam War. After the Army, he returned to Vermont and attended Castleton State College, where he received a degree in accounting. He focused his work in the nonprofit sector, with time at Job Corps and eventually retiring from ACTR in Middlebury.

Gordy was a true free spirit; he was kind to strangers, made new friends everywhere he went and would do anything he could to help his family and friends. From his many road trips on his motorcycle across the country to snowshoeing in his backyard, you could always find him with a camera around his neck capturing nature, family and friends. In his later years, he could be found working in his gardens, cooking, laughing with family and friends and sitting on his back deck admiring his gardens and enjoying his evenings.

Gordy was preceded by his wife, “sweetheart” Cheri L. Marsh; beloved dogs Harley and Bleau; parents, Gordon and Mary; niece Heidi Jo Adams; and brother in-law Peter Adams.

Gordy is survived by his children, Alison Marsh of Burlington, Vt., and Gordon Marsh III of Middlebury, Vt.; his three stepsons, Jason Goodwin (Jennifer) of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Tyler Goodwin of Waterbury, Vt. and Andrew Goodwin (Christine) of Londonderry, Vt.; his six treasured grandchildren, Harper and Keegan Goodwin, Connor, Cayden, and Caralynn Goodwin, and Ryder Goodwin; his four siblings, Marianne Adams of Phoenix Ariz., Kathy Forand (George) of Bristol, Vt., Bob Marsh (Jayne) of Cumberland, Maine, and David Marsh (Lisa) of Fountain Hills, Ariz.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

For all those who knew and loved Gordy, we ask you to raise a glass and smile at one of the many stories you have of him. He will be dearly missed by all.

There will be a celebration of life for Gordy and Cheri this summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Gordy’s honor to: Vermont Nongame Wildlife Fund at https://vtfishandwildlife.com/nongame-wildlife-fund or Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society at https://www.homewardboundanimals.org/donate/◊