MONROE — Friends, family and former colleagues are remembering the life of former Monroe Mayor and City Common Council member Ron Marsh. 

Marsh died at Monroe Clinic Hospital last Sunday with his wife of 61 years, Judy, by his side, according to the family. Marsh was 80. His obituary appears in today’s edition on Page 7.

Marsh served as the city’s mayor from 2006 to 2010; and prior to that served as an alderman on the common council.

“He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind about things,” said Ald. Richard Thoman, a sentiment echoed by others who reflected om Marsh’s years of public service.  

Marsh also worked for many years in the insurance business.

Ald. Mike Boyce said he was “fortunate and honored” to have served on the council with Marsh, whom he said championed such issues as lowering city taxes during his tenure. The Times archives show Marsh was a part of many important events in the life of the city, including the 2009 ground-breaking for Monroe Clinic’s Northwest Addition

“He was a kind-hearted man who loved the City of Monroe and always wanted to see the best for it,” said Boyce.

In addition to his wife, Marsh is survived by a son, Wayne, a daughter, Laurie Neumann, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services for Marsh were private.