June 4, 1937 – January 16, 2023
East Kingston – Robert A. Marston, DVM age 85 of East Kingston, NH passed into the presence of the Lord on January 16, 2023 with Deborah, his loving wife of 45 years by his side.
“Doc” was born in Amherst, MA on June 4, 1937 to the late George A. and Grace L. Marston. He attended Amherst schools, and received an Associates Degree at Stockbridge School of Agriculture, a Bachelors Degree at U. Mass Amherst, and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University in 1965.
Bob started his veterinary career at the Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital in Augusta, Maine, and then in 1967 started the Amesbury Animal Hospital in Amesbury, MA as the head of large animal medicine. With countless hours of hard work and the dedication of many loyal employees, especially his partner, Dr. Thomas Candee, the practice grew to be known for faithfully serving patients and clients. A favorite memory of one of his former employees is that he never failed to say thank you to them as they left work at the end of the day. He was gifted with ability to get along with animals and people, and genuinely enjoyed his time and conversations with his clients.
“Doc” moved his family to a small farm in East Kingston, NH in 1975, where he spent years working his oxen in the woods with the kids, riding his beloved Arabian mare, Casares, and milking cows and goats. He especially loved haying season, when much of the family still got together to help and was well known for his story telling gift, enjoy entertaining friends and family with tales of his farm calls and the doings of his animals at the farm in East Kingston. He served the town of East Kingston as a member of the Planning Board for over 45 years, and served as Animal Control Officer for close to 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and his three children, daughter, Sarah Hamlin and her children: Jesse Hamlin, Laura Hamlin, Melissa Parrott and Chad Hamlin, son, Jeffrey and his wife, Susan and their daughters, Jalin Marston and Jenna Marston, and son Richard and his wife Sharon, with their children, Rose Fulk and Wyatt Marston, and 10 great grandchildren. His greatest earthly pleasure was his family, and it always a good day for him when they were visiting at the farm.
Bob was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Dixon of Modesto, CA and his first wife, Linda Griffin Marston of Melrose, MA.
There will be a private burial in the spring, and a Celebration of Life is planned for his birthday, June 4, 2023, at his farm in East Kingston. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Christian Veterinary Mission, P.O. Box 5888, Lynnwood, WA 98046-5888, or give your animals an extra treat or a friendly pat. “Doc” would appreciate that.