Obituary of Warren D. Marsden

Warren D. Marsden died in Santa Cruz on April 3, 2014 at the age of 87. His beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara was at his side as he peacefully passed away. In those 64 years together, there was never a day that Warren didn't say "I love you" to Barbara. He and Barbara have lived in Aptos for the past 27 years, and prior to that, were longtime residents of Fremont, California. Warren, the son of David and Clara Marsden, was born in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1926 and attended Durfee High School there. After graduation, he joined the US Navy serving his country during WWII aboard the USS Grundy and saw action the Pacific Theater, in both Guam and the Philippine Islands. Always a patriot, Warren reenlisted after the war and continued his career with the Navy for over 20 years, with duty stations in Squantum, Massachusetts; Oakland and Alameda, California; Memphis, Tennessee; and New Orleans, Louisiana. He retired in 1967 as a Chief Petty Officer. After his Navy retirement, Warren, Barbara and their two children, Steve and Gail, returned to Fremont, California. In 1968, Warren graduated from California State University at Hayward with a BS degree in Business Administration, completing his higher education dreams begun at Memphis State and Tulane Universities. His second career, which also spanned over 20 years, was with Varian Associates in Palo Alto, where he was an accounting supervisor in the Vacuum Products Division. Upon retirement from Varian, he had short careers in real estate and financial planning. While in Fremont, Warren spent many months building a Bradley GT automobile, and enjoyed camping, water skiing and snow skiing with his wife, children and friends. Warren and Barbara moved to Aptos in 1987, where he enjoyed playing bridge and golf, gardening and doing projects around the house he loved so much; especially the view from the deck as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. He was a member of the Watsonville SIRS for many years. Together, Warren and Barbara traveled the world extensively, enjoying different cultures and making new friends everywhere they went. One of his favorite trips was traveling throughout Europe on a Eurail Pass, with Amsterdam as the hub of their seven-week adventure. The many fond memories of the trips and adventures they shared will be treasured. In addition to his wife Barbara Marsden of Aptos, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Barbi Marsden of Palm Desert, California, and his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and David Muela of Fremont, California. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren: Matthew Marsden, Leslie Marsden, Jared (Shannon) Muela, Chelsea Muela, and Tyler (Chloe) Muela; and two great grandchildren, Tanner and Beau Muela. He also leaves many dear friends and colleagues whose friendships he treasured very much. A private ceremony with family and friends will be held aboard a boat, as befitting a retired Naval Officer, with his ashes scattered at sea. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army in Warren's name. If you would like to light a candle and share your thoughts and reflections with the family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.