BEN MARSH, 1943-2006
With much sadness came recent news of the passing of Bruce Benjamin Marsh on April 5, 2006, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. After over 30 years, I still can recall his deep, unique voice.
Ben Marsh was born and raised in Scobey, Montana, and graduated from Scobey High School in 1961. He began his radio journey as "Benny Most" in the early 1960's while attending college in Portland, Oregon. Ben went on to KYLT in Missoula, Montana, serving as Program Director and afternoon announcer. He moved to KVNI in Coeur d'Alene in 1964, and in 1966 to KGVO in Missoula as Program Director. Ben was twice named "Montana Broadcaster of the Year." In 1970, "Benny Marsh" landed at KYXI AM-1520 in Oregon City, Oregon, as a news anchor and reporter.
Early in 1972, I was excited to learn that Ben would be bringing his wonderful voice to Lake Oswego, joining us in putting the new KQIV FM-106.7 on the air. Ben served as News Director, and later as Program Director and disk jockey. Unfortunately for us, Ben returned to KYXI in 1973.
In 1974, Ben got married and soon left the radio business forever. He moved to the woods of northern Idaho where he and his wife, Judy, raised their two sons. Judy continues to live in the log house Ben built.
Before starting his own weed spraying business, Ben was the weed superintendent of Benewah County and an avid Hawkweed fighter. Current events were a fascination for Ben and he loved a lively discussion. His knowledge of many subjects made him a library of information. He also enjoyed singing bass in a barbershop quartet.
Many thanks to Judy Marsh and Ernie Hopseker for sharing their remembrances of Ben. He surely will be missed.
********************
June 13, 2006
Nice of you to take the time to write about Ben. Though he left the business behind, Ben's love of broadcasting always remained with him.
He turned on the news channel as soon as he got up and it stayed there all day if he had his say, which he did most of the time! He always was watching the technical side of things and bemoaned the pitiful use of language and the "editorializing" they sometimes call news reporting these days.
Ben would have enjoyed being back in touch with friends from those days. Some of his fondest memories came from those times and those friends.
Things are going well for us and we thank you for your kind memoriam. Carry on!
Judy Marsh
********************
June 14, 2006
Sometimes it seems like the brief appearance of KQIV embedded itself like James Dean, Janis and Jimmy. Such a momentary flash that lingers on because of the depth of its impact on our lives.
Ben Marsh is one more reason this little station, which never really made it out of infancy, caused such a lasting impression. I believe it will stand out as a benchmark that raised the bar because the concept, and the people who carried it forth, were one in the same.
This indistinguishable union defines the magic that shone so brightly for a moment, and will be remembered by those who were there --- forever.
Norman Ellis-Flint
Ben Marsh was born and raised in Scobey, Montana, and graduated from Scobey High School in 1961. He began his radio journey as "Benny Most" in the early 1960's while attending college in Portland, Oregon. Ben went on to KYLT in Missoula, Montana, serving as Program Director and afternoon announcer. He moved to KVNI in Coeur d'Alene in 1964, and in 1966 to KGVO in Missoula as Program Director. Ben was twice named "Montana Broadcaster of the Year." In 1970, "Benny Marsh" landed at KYXI AM-1520 in Oregon City, Oregon, as a news anchor and reporter.
Early in 1972, I was excited to learn that Ben would be bringing his wonderful voice to Lake Oswego, joining us in putting the new KQIV FM-106.7 on the air. Ben served as News Director, and later as Program Director and disk jockey. Unfortunately for us, Ben returned to KYXI in 1973.
In 1974, Ben got married and soon left the radio business forever. He moved to the woods of northern Idaho where he and his wife, Judy, raised their two sons. Judy continues to live in the log house Ben built.
Before starting his own weed spraying business, Ben was the weed superintendent of Benewah County and an avid Hawkweed fighter. Current events were a fascination for Ben and he loved a lively discussion. His knowledge of many subjects made him a library of information. He also enjoyed singing bass in a barbershop quartet.
Many thanks to Judy Marsh and Ernie Hopseker for sharing their remembrances of Ben. He surely will be missed.
********************
June 13, 2006
Nice of you to take the time to write about Ben. Though he left the business behind, Ben's love of broadcasting always remained with him.
He turned on the news channel as soon as he got up and it stayed there all day if he had his say, which he did most of the time! He always was watching the technical side of things and bemoaned the pitiful use of language and the "editorializing" they sometimes call news reporting these days.
Ben would have enjoyed being back in touch with friends from those days. Some of his fondest memories came from those times and those friends.
Things are going well for us and we thank you for your kind memoriam. Carry on!
Judy Marsh
********************
June 14, 2006
Sometimes it seems like the brief appearance of KQIV embedded itself like James Dean, Janis and Jimmy. Such a momentary flash that lingers on because of the depth of its impact on our lives.
Ben Marsh is one more reason this little station, which never really made it out of infancy, caused such a lasting impression. I believe it will stand out as a benchmark that raised the bar because the concept, and the people who carried it forth, were one in the same.
This indistinguishable union defines the magic that shone so brightly for a moment, and will be remembered by those who were there --- forever.
Norman Ellis-Flint
posted by J. R. Miller at 6:42 PM
