After all these many years, (I graduated in a965) still have fond memories of Mr LaMarsh both from band and the Alton High Marching 100.

My sympathy goes out to Boyd LaMarhes family.  I was never in the Alton High School band but had the pleasure of hearing it at all home football games.  I happened to be a Cheerleader at that time.  I may be wrong about what I am reporting this many years later,.  There  was always a Alton High Band but it was Boyd LaMarsh that gave it the title of Marching 100.  The school was amazed at what he had done with the band.  I will never for get Homecoming.  I had been given the honor by classmates of being their Home Coming Queen.  At half time for the game they had the queens and her court parade around the football field in convertibles.  The band was playing music.  When the Convertible that finally brought me on to the track that went around the football field and stopped right there in front of the band.  I had the shock of my life.  All of a sudden the Marching 100 was playing CINDY OH CINDY.  I looked over and there he was, big smile ear to ear.  A memory I will never forget.   Boyd LaMarsh.  When people talk about the Alton Marching 100 they should know that Boyd LaMarsh had turned a Alton High Band into the Marching 100 and it was an honor to be able to March and Play in it.  My experience was in 1959 and The Marching 100 still exist today.  September 20, 2018.  There have been many other Directors but it must be remembered that this was Boyd LaMarsh's creation.  He mastered it.  

I was one of Boyd's trombone students.   He was my teacher from
elementry school through High School.   I still play and have been forever thankful for what he gave me.  You have my deepest symphathy.

Mr. LaMarsh, Concert Band, and playing flute in the Marching 100 made my high school experience.   He wrote out new formations for half-time football games every week.  I remember performing proudly at the Air Force Academy.  Then there was the mishap at Soldier's Field doing precision drill.  Half the band lined up on the 45 yard line and the other half on the 50 yard line.  Somehow we managed to finish the show, but it was a sad time riding the bus home.  He inspired us to be the best and we strived to please him.  In doing so, he brought out the best in all of us.  Years later, my daughter too played flute in her high school marching band.  I wanted her to know the joy band gave me.
I am happy to learn he truly lived life doing what he loved and continued to be an influential educator.
I'm sure he's playing trombone in heaven.
Alton High School
Class of 1964

Please accept my sympathies for your great loss.  I only recently learned of Boydâ???Ts passing.  I first met him as a fifth grader at Horace Mann School in Alton, Illinois in the late 50â???Ts.  There was no way then I could have realized what a profound influence he was to have on my life.  Because of Boyd, I also pursued music and became a band director.  Much of what I passed on to my students Boyd had passed on to me.  Some of my students also went on to become band directors and so his teachings in many ways are still providing countless students with a life-long love of music.
Boyd and other great teachers I have been fortunate to learn from have enriched my life in many ways that fail to find expression.  Please accept my liberty of expressing in the behalf of the Alton Sr. High band class of 1965 how greatly he was respected, honored and will forever be fondly remembered in the hearts of so many.

I have many fond memories of working with Boyd at the Aspen Lodge.  When I had to leave the Lodge and move back to St. Louis, it was one of the most difficult times in my life.  Boyd was not only my manager but was a dear friend to me and my husband. He even took our cat, Huey, when we could not keep him because of our dog. It was obvious Huey had a wonderful home and was loved!  My office was next to Boyd's and I would hear him laugh all day which always made me happy! He made it a great place to work.  Even though I have been gone from the Lodge a long time, I think of Boyd often. I'm sure he is greatly missed by all. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Dear Marilyn, Rachel and Carolyn
I am very sorry for your loss. I never did now Boyd but knowing all of you he had to be a great man. I hope all of you are doing well. It has been a long time since we have seen eachother.  Marilyn you were my teacher in high school and I was in the same grade as Rachel, and also knew Carolyn. My stepdad was Donald Holley. 
My deepest sympathy is with you.
Take care
Sincerely,
Kris Harrison

Dear Marilyn and girls,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Boyd's passing.  He was truly a wonderful and understanding man.   He did so much for the classified staff on the school board and his dedication will long be remembered.
Rachel, I know your classmates have sent e-mails and are anxious to get in touch with you.
My sincere condolences and love
Patricia Wedan

We send to you our most sincere sympathy. Dr. LaMarsh is long remembered in Hoehne.
Albert and Phyllis Blasi

Dear Mrs. LaMarsh and Family-
I never knew your dear husband but I remember the days when he would come and visit you at school and he would knock on the door and your face would brighten upon seeing him wave at you through the window.  You would always excuse yourself and go out to talk with him and come back in with such a happy look about you.  It was obvious to all your students that the love you shared was true and enduring.
I am so sorry for your loss.  
Sunday Walker
Estes Park High School Class of 1995

Dear Ones, please accept my sympathies.
I went to school with Boyd all through our early school years.  We enjoyed the ""new"" East Junior building on Alton High school
grounds. He was very popular with his peers. Everyone was happy to see him at our last class reunion.  Thank you, daughters, for persuading him to go. I hope that he received my clipping from the 25 yr ago Telegraph.
Marjorie Neuhaus-Dreith-Fortado
class of 1951

I'm so sorry for your loss.  May your memories fill the void in your hearts.  
I too was a member of 100 when we marched at Busch Stadium.  My best memories of high school came from my involvement with 100 and band.  Mr. LaMarsh was tough but fair and I will always remember him kindly.

Uncle Boyd was always easy-going, interested in music, and fun to be with.  I remember ""marching"" along with Kevin along side the Marching 100 one Memorial Day in Alton.
Even though he was a busy band director, he took the time to stop to tie Kevin's shoe after I had stepped on the back of it accidentally pulling it off.  There went the band and there Boyd was on the sidewalk tieing Kevin's shoes!!  I know he leaves many behind who will miss him a lot. We have a family full of high school marchers, largely due to his influence and encouragement.  My family prays that Marilyn and the entire family will be comforted by God's presence and that they too will recall and cherish the fun times which were so much a part of Boyd's life.
My father, Jim LaMarsh has lost his brother. I will fondly remember Uncle Boyd loving music, the outdoors, and the great state of Colorado.
With warm regards,
Steve, Karen, Matthew, Melissa, Mark, and Megan LaMarsh

I am sorry for your loss but I know he left you with many wonderful memories. I was in the Marching 100 from 1960-1963 with Mr. LaMarsh as our director.  He always had new formations for the football games each week - and that was before computers, so he spent a lot of time to ensure that his kids were able to put on some great half time shows. He was a kind man who wanted everyone to give their very best.  We marched in rain, snow, mud and heat, and we all loved the experience! Marching 100 and knowing Mr. LaMarsh made Alton High School a wonderful experience!!  I am so happy that he enjoyed life, doing what he wanted to do and with a wonderful family! He will be missed.

Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your father and husband.  Dr. LaMarsh played a role in my development and those of the many participants in the music program at Alton Sr. High School.  Although he was focused on results, Boyd maintained a humorous, soft side.  It was a pleasure performing with the concert band and serving as head majorette for the Marching 100.

Sincerest sympathies to the entire family from another member of Marching 100, as a twirler, class of 67, and in the band when we performed at Busch Stadium. I often think of him when I watch my son play trumpet in his marching band today. He was the best!

I am just one of the many students of Mr LaMarsh in Alton, all the way from Horace Mann elemantary, thrugh East Junior High and then at Alton High.  I can tell that he was a large positive influence on me and many others, always encouraging us to learn and improve on our misical skills.  On the other hand, he would tell you that we drummers in the High School bands always drove him nuts with our antics.  He kept us reasonably in line while not squashing our zest for the band and music.  Now, that's quite an accomplishment.
You have my sympathies in your loss.
You can be certain that ""Uncle Boyd"", as we called him but not to his face, has and will continue to influence music education in Alton for a long time.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr.LaMarsh was a great band director and a fine man.
Janis Williams (majorette,class of 1964)Dale Poindexter (trombone, class of 1965) Alton High Marching 100

He was always ""Mr. LaMarsh"" to us junior high-school kids.  He even corrected Gary Anderson once when Gary called him Boyd.  He made the East Junior band sound terrific.  His outstanding musicianship was an inspiration to all of us.  I didn't know about the rest of his amazing career, but I'm sure he put the same dedication into all of his activities.  My best wishes and condolences to his family.
Roger Cooke
Alton High School, class of 1960

Marilyn and Carolyn - I am so sorry to learn of your loss.  I enjoyed reading the very nice obit and remembering what a fun-loving man Boyd was.  I was fortunate to spend time with him on a family vacation in warm weather Texas and snowmobiling in cold weather Allenspark.  I always enjoyed being around Boyd.  He could be so silly one minute and then the completely serious dad the next minute.  I know that Carolyn always appreciated having Boyd in her life and know that this is a big loss to her and the family.  The tree hugger and nature lover has moved on to a new place.  Hugs and kisses to those he leaves behind.  
Thinking of you.  - Amy

Boyd was an outstanding educator and master motivator at Alton Senior High School. Students looked forward to classes and band practices with him. We learned to become members of an organization instead of individual performers. Boyd expected and exacted a single purpose for The Marching 100--a passion for excellence in performance. No one wanted to disappoint him. The time spent with Boyd is still cherished today and the memories of the lessons he taught fresh in my mind. He truly was the best of the best. I will miss him. My condolences to the family and my thanks to Boyd LaMarsh for being someone of special character.
Jim Davidson
Alton Senior High School
Class of '68

When one looks back on teachers who made a difference...Mr. LaMarsh is on the top of my list.  Being in band, orchestra and The Marching 100 at Alton High (Class of 69) was the best.  Memories of performing in Bush Stadium still remain.  Mr. LaMarsh made all this happen.  He had no problem telling you when you were messing up, but in return, he had no problem praising you when you did well. He was missed when he moved. My thoughts, prayers, and happy memories go out to his family. He was a unique person and a great teacher.

Swizzle sticks and funerals
Graduations and babysitting
Easter eggs in a cabin
The Hummingbird and Hoehne
An old black pickup and a dingo
Bath tubs and taped messages
The Smiths and nights at the bank
A friend for thirty six years

Boyd was a classmate, member of the Upper Alton Baptist Church with me and played in the high school band with me.  I remember Boyd as a friend in school and church.  May God bless Boyd and Boyd's family.  To Boyd's family, my most sincere condolences, best wishes and many happy memories.

Boyd was my best pal growing up in Alton, ILL. and later on my roommate in college at SIU and finally our Best Man in our wedding in 1955.  He is a prominent figure in many wonderful memories.  May God be with him and his family.

Marilyn and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Boyd is part of my life. I first met Boyd at he Ferncliff Store.  Later I was honored to be part of the Estes Park school board with him.  So many times he was a sounding board to me. He always found the time to give a helping hand or a piece of good advice.  His thoughtfulness and dedication will be traits that I remember about Boyd.
Stephen Gillette

Carolyn and Marilyn-
My heart and love are with you.  Boyd was such an incredibly sweet man filled with love for his family.  It was an honor to have the opportunity to watch him share that love for you both along with Eric and the kids.

Dear Carolyn, 
We remember the lovely poems Boyd wrote and read at your wedding.
Love, Suzie and Family

What a terrific guy!  Those years on the School Board with him netted memories of challenges well met, lots of chuckles and genuine appreciation.

OBITUARIO

Boyd LaMarsh

14 febrero, 1933 – 19 septiembre, 2008

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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