Richard D. Marshall

Rick was born on October 22, 1941, in Hollywood, CA, to Kathleen Grace Manor and Ernest S. Marshall.

Rick grew up in Fresno, California, with his brother Larry, and attended Fresno High School, where he excelled as a multiyear starter on the varsity football team playing defensive end. Upon graduating in 1960, he proudly served in the Air Force from 1960-1964 in the 3097th Aviation Depot Squadron (AFLC) and was trained as a nuclear weapons specialist. During his time in Air Force he was stationed at the Kedena Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan. Upon his return to the US, he reunited and married Dolores Urrizola of Fresno, CA on August 5, 1963 at Westover Airforce Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Four years later their son, Gregory was born in North Hollywood, CA in 1967.

After serving in the Air Force, Rick was employed by the John Roberts Company where he was a successful sales representative providing college rings to universities throughout Southern California and Arizona. After deciding to make a lifestyle and career change, he moved to Bakersfield, CA where he married Gwen and worked as an oil field rig operator and attended California State University, Bakersfield, pursuing a degree in English Literature using the GI Bill.

Rick then moved to the Monterey Peninsula in the late 1970’s and worked for a variety of local organizations, including McGraw-Hill as a computer operator. He lived in Carmel-by-the-Sea where he developed lifelong friendships and was a founding member of a well-known Carmel Men’s group which he helped form after completing Erhard Seminar Training (EST) in 1982. The Carmel Men’s group has remained intact for nearly 40 years and has given back to the community in numerous ways over the years by supporting various local and national volunteer initiatives and efforts. During this time, as a true outdoorsman, he developed a love of sailing Hobie Cats and successfully competed in regattas all along the California coast.

In 1980 he married Pat, and Rick began a new career as a carpenter and handyman, establishing “Village Handyman” services given his extraordinary ability to build, fix, and successfully complete nearly any engine, construction, or building project he took on. His sign for “Village Handyman Services” was proudly displayed on his 1953 blue Dodge pickup truck, named “Old Blue.”

Never one to say no to offering help and support to someone in need, Rick could always be counted on to be there when he was needed most. While living in Carmel Valley, he became very interested in horses and officially adopted his cowboy lifestyle that would define him in his later years. From his time spent at the Running Iron to caring for his horse Meteor at The Animal Farm, the cowboy lifestyle suited Rick like a well-worn comfortable pair of old boots.

After suffering a major stroke in 2002, Rick experienced a series of medical setbacks that limited his mobility and cognitive ability throughout the balance of his life. Despite these circumstances, he never lost his sense humor, thirst for a cold beer, or desire to watch a football game until the very end. He enjoyed spending quality time with family, and was especially proud of his three grandchildren.

Rick lived a full and charmed life and he packed a lot into his 81 years before riding off into the sunset.

Rick is survived by his son Gregory (Dana) Marshall and grandchildren Connor, Cameron, and Ava Marshall of Pacific Grove. He is also survived by his brother Lawrence (Kris) Marshall of Monterey and niece Allison Marshall of San Francisco and nephew Brian Marshall of Murietta. He is pre-deceased by his mother, Kathleen Manor Alemian, his father, Ernest Marshall, and his step-father, Armand Alemian.

Special thanks to his caregivers who provided amazing support to Rick, Jan Frisby and Kim Fulton.

A celebration of Rick's life will be held on November 17, 2023 at 11am at The Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove. Contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels of Monterey Peninsula in memory of Richard Marshall.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thepaulmortuary.com for the Marshall family.