WEST GARDINER – Col. John Forest Marsh MWS (retired), of West Gardiner, passed away surrounded by family on Sept. 25, 2023.

Born in 1942 to Maynard and Frances Marsh. John attended Gorham schools and earned a degree in history from the University of Maine. John began his career as a history teacher in Greenville.

In 1966, he joined the Maine Warden Service as a safety officer, investigating hunting accidents and coordinating Hunting Safety Courses. In the early 1970s, he attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He served as a game warden for 25 years rising to the rank of colonel as the department’s chief warden.

Following retirement, John was elected to the state legislature and was appointed to the Board of Environmental Protection. He also embarked on a second career alongside Judy, his wife of 57 years. Together they built “Paul’s Marina” a successful family business that continues to serve boaters on Casco Bay.

John’s love of farming was rooted in his childhood on what is now Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook. John and Judy established Bog Hill Tree Farm in West Gardiner in 1967. In his spare time, John loved to cut firewood, hunt, coastal fish, and shoot sporting clays. In full retirement, John dedicated himself to the quest for flyfishing Brook Trout in the ponds and streams around Jackman.

John is survived by his wife; children; and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister.

A celebration of life, with law enforcement honors, will be held Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Community Center, 43 Pleasant St., Brunswick.

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