Marshall Wiebe Obituary (1938 - 2022)

Marshall Thomas Wiebe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2022, at Balsam House in Readfield with his loving wife at his side. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on March 28, 1938 to parents Norma and Carl Wiebe. A devoted family man, he is survived by Joan Lee (née Schott) , his bride of 60 years; brother James Wiebe (Christine); daughters Jennifer Lee Wiebe and Katie Ann Wiebe (Tina); and grandchildren Samuel, Lena, Sarah (William), Erin - and his faithful hunting companion, Otter. He is also mourned by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Carl Wiebe Jr., and Carl’s wife Constance. Marshall began his education in the Stratford, Connecticut schools and on the Long Island sound. His deep love of the outdoors was nurtured by days spent with his father, uncle and brothers in the marshes and waters of his youth. One of his first jobs was setting skeet targets at the Remington Gun Club at Lordship point. His love of the outdoors brought him to pursue a degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Maine at Orono in 1956. There, on a blind date, he met the love of his life - Joan Lee Schott. The pair married in 1961 and as the saying goes, “the rest is history”. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary not once but twice, including a surprise “renewal of vows” on the dock in Casco with immediate family in attendance. Marshall received a Master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Bridgeport and went on to teach in the New York public schools on Shelter Island. From there he joined the Faculty at Nichols College School of Forestry as an Associate Professor. He later became the Executive Director of the Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield, Connecticut. The opportunity to lead Maine’s Conservation School at Bryant Pond brought him back to Maine and began his long and impactful career working for the state. He served as the Director of Information for the Department of Conservation, spanning five different gubernatorial administrations: Democratic, Republican, and Independent. Marshall worked tirelessly for the protection of Maine’s natural resources with such notable projects as Keep Maine Scenic, Carry In/Carry Out, the Billboard ban in Maine in 1978 (Maine is still one of only four states to have this ban in place), and the Maine bottle bill enacted in 1976 –pioneering legislation in the U.S. at the time. Marshall instilled his love of the natural world in all of us. Most of all, he relished his role as grandfather. He taught them all to cast a line as soon as they could hold a pole, his patient hands guiding them from the dock of the family camp, Knotty Pines, the center of Schott family gatherings in the summer. As they grew, the lessons moved onto the water with both motor and sailing boats as their classroom. He shared his appreciation for the woods with his brother-in-law John, supporting and sharing in the stewardship of the Schott forest in central Maine. In recent years, Marshall took up shooting at the Arnold Trail Gun Club in Sidney. He treasured his time with the cast of characters at the club, bringing his grandchildren to meet the gang and shoot some rounds. He was thrilled to share this passion with the best neighbors one could ever hope for Jason, Cam, and Nate Foster. A celebration of his life will take place when the warmer weather returns, and we can raise a toast by the lake. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, ME where memories and condolences may be left at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MaineGeneral Health to benefit the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care: MaineGeneral Health Office of Philanthropy PO Box 828 Waterville, Maine 04903-0828 May he now be walking through the beautiful fields and woods of Maine that he cherished: under a bright October sky with his faithful hunting companions Heidi, Shadow and Allie once more by his side.