CRAIG BRISTOL MARSH
May 29, 1951-November 10, 2024
Craig Bristol Marsh shared his megawatt smile throughout his 73 years. He was born on May 29, 1951, in Hastings, Nebraska, to Don and Mimi Marsh. The second of four children, Craig grew up on Air Force bases, and discovered his love for the south when he lived in Alabama.
His passions were clear: he cherished his family and friends, his two careers, and his interests. Craig met Cozanne Ricks when he was golfing and she was working at Eagle Crest Golf Course in Clifton Park, New York. They got married in 1989 and they welcomed their son Galen Donhar Marsh on Christmas Day.
Craig treasured moments with family, from early vacations with Grandma Cleo in Nebraska, to camping adventures on Cape Cod, to taking Cozanne to the skies to visit family and friends across the United States.
After graduating from Hartwick College, Craig built a successful career through Farm Family Insurance, where he held various positions in the Northeast Region. In 2004, he received Farm Family’s high honor for Regional Manager.
Craig followed his long insurance career by buying a Richton, Mississippi, golf course which he developed from 9 holes to 18 holes. He built six townhouses on the course while Cozanne ran the Clubhouse. Paying customers at the Southern Gate Golf Course often found Craig mowing the grass.
Retirement meant more time for interests. He bought a 1966 Piper fixed wing single engine plane; he and Cozanne purchased a home in Brant Lake, New York; Craig played a lot of golf at Cronin’s Golf Resort in Warrensburg, New York. Throughout his life, he encouraged youth. One nephew recalled that Craig boosted his golf game by frequently saying, “That’s a great lookin’ golf shot!” One niece described Craig as the “King of quirk and kindness…who never took life too seriously.”
Craig was a patriot. Although he was born in America’s heartland, his family is scattered coast to coast. In addition to his wife Cozanne and son Galen, Craig’s family includes siblings Merilee Marsh (Terrance Donohue) from Boise, Idaho; Linda Marsh (Art Ziller) from Buffalo, New York; Tedi Marsh (George Silva, M.D.) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Brent and Heidi Ricks from Ballston Lake, New York. Numerous nephews and nieces, and grand-nephews and grand-nieces, are also part of the family.
Craig believed that golf—with its unexpected challenges—is a metaphor for life. Those interested in donating to his memory are encouraged to support First Tee, a 501(c)(3) youth development organization that enables youth to build character to empower them through a lifetime of new challenges. To donate, visit www.firsttee.org, click Donate, make sure to check the box Tribute Gift, and specify in memory of Craig Marsh. A Celebration of Craig’s Life and Memorial Service will take place in the spring of 2025.
Craig Bristol Marsh loved hitting golf balls across the turf and flying his plane above the earth. As one sister described his life four days before he died: “He flew his plane on Wednesday, golfed on Thursday, and then went in for a routine medical checkup on Friday.” He was admitted that afternoon to the Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls, New York, and died early Sunday, November 10, 2024. Family surrounded him. Heroic healthcare providers cared for him. His spirit continues to soar.
Arrangements are entrusted to Barton-McDermott Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Pine St. Chestertown, NY 12817.