Halsey Means Marsden

Dr. Halsey Marsden, 75, passed away Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 at his home in Austin, Texas. Halsey was born in Flushing New York and spent his childhood in West Hartford, Connecticut. He attended the University of Connecticut, where he earned his undergraduate degree. Halsey went on to continue his education at the University of Missouri, earning Masters and Doctorate degrees in zoology. It was during his time at the University of Missouri, that he met and married his wife of 46 years, Julia Marberry. Halsey and Julia soon moved to Seal Harbor, Maine where Halsey began his long career in life sciences research. His career subsequently took him to Puerto Rico and eventually to Bethesda, Maryland where he continued his career with the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institutes of Health, eventually retiring in 1988. Halsey and Julia moved to Texas in 1990. A life-long naturalist and birder, Halsey was quietly passionate about the environment. Halsey's many other interests included books, photography and classical music. Halsey was preceded in death by his parents, Harold M. Marsden and Erma Marsden. He is survived by his wife Julia, his sons Mike and John, daughters-in-law Michelle and Mary Leigh and his grandsons, Spence, Will, and Miller. A private family service was held on Saturday, January 3, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. A memorial gift form can be downloaded from http://www.texas.sierraclub.org/MemorialGift.pdf and returned with your gift to: Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club, PO Box 1931, Austin, TX 78767.