OBITUARY
Marcus Morton Sherman
August 5, 1947 – April 25, 2020
HYANNIS - Marcus Morton Sherman, 72, a long-time resident of Hyannis Port, died at Cape Cod Hospital on April 25th, 2020, after suffering a stroke the previous morning.
Born in New Bedford, MA, Marcus was the son of Frank and Bonnie (Bandy) Sherman and grew up on Cape Cod. He attended high school at Proctor Academy in Andover, NH, and graduated from Beloit College in Beloit, WI. After college he worked on sustainable energy and agriculture projects with the New Alchemy Institute, Oxfam, the United Nations, and the Thai government, among others. He travelled extensively around the world developing renewable energy projects, primarily windmills. In the early 1970s he lived in Tamil Nadu, India, before moving to Bangkok, Thailand, with his then-wife, Judith Hannegan Sherman. They returned to Hyannis Port with their three children in 1984.
After acquiring a captain’s license from the US Coast Guard, Marcus became a familiar figure on the water around Hyannis as the owner and operator of Catboat Rides, chartering passengers aboard the sailboat Eventide, under the sail with a large cat face on it. He could be seen sailing on most summer days for almost three decades before his retirement in 2017. For several years he also ran the Marston Family Bed & Breakfast in his family house, built in 1786, with his second wife, Lynette Furtado. During the off-seasons he built and repaired wooden boats, and also traveled to India to tour and research protected areas in the Western Ghats, which he wrote about for Wikipedia.
Many of the people who knew Marcus enjoyed how he saw the world with his own quirky and unique perspective. He had a strong do-it-yourself mentality and, like a textbook model for both Yankee Ingenuity and Hippie Modernism, took pride in being able to “do more with less”. Marcus welcomed new experiences with enthusiasm and was perpetually curious about everything.
Marcus is survived by his two brothers: Peter Sherman of Los Angeles and Paul Sherman of Centerville, MA. His sister Sarah Sherman Hubert predeceased him. He is also survived by his three children and one grandchild: Kelly Taylor Sherman and her son Finn Sherman Goldsmith of Cambridge, MA; Anne Gifford Sherman of Melbourne, Australia; and Nicholas Morton Sherman of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
For information on plans for memorial services, visit catboat.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Wildlife Protection Society of India (wpsi-india.org), or to the Wikimedia Foundation (donate.wikimedia.org).
Memories
Marcus Morton Sherman
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ADD A MEMORYKathy Riley
July 6, 2020
My husband and I met Marcus a number of years ago through a group. He was a fascinating, friendly, fun to be with guy. I booked my in laws for his boat, and practically had to push them off the dock, they were so nervous about sailboats. In no time Marcus had them relaxed and enjoying the evening. To this day they still talk about it! Marcus was truly one of a kind!!
Frederick Archibald
July 5, 2020
Marcus was my friend for 60+ years. We shared memories, adventures, experiences (good and bad), ideas, and laughs. He was unique, and a uniquely interesting guy to have as a friend. I still can't believe he is gone. Rest in peace, old buddy. I will never forget you.
Marilyn and Ron McLellan
July 5, 2020
We had many great rides on the Eventide. The"captain" was such a nice pleasant sailor. He will be missed. RIP dear man of the ocean .
Michael Hayes
May 1, 2020
One time as I was heading into Hyannis Harbor in my center console, Marcus shouted to me asking for assistance fighting the tide to get back to his slip. What followed was a very fun chance to help a fellow sailor and to share a few minutes with the bubbling group of young women who were returning from a beautiful afternoon sail. Lewis Bay has lost a wonderful, colorful sailor.
Nick Lawler
April 30, 2020
Always fun sailing with Marcus on Eventide. The “Cat Boat”. Learned so much from him. So glad to have known him, so sorry to hear of his passing.
Chris Bell
April 30, 2020
Marcus was a great sailor and a true gentleman. I always enjoyed seeing him around town. I mourn his loss and I hope that he is in a better place. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family.
Thomas BEDNARK
April 28, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to all of the Sherman family. For many many years we enjoyed the richness of the entire family and Marcus added to the adventure, happiness and excitement of life. Many a great story of Thailand, India, Cape Cod and sailing. A great farewell Marcus, you are on the voyage that perhaps is the most mysterious. To all of the Sherman family ,thank you and God speed. Christine and Thomas
David Blake Willis
April 27, 2020
Our Deepest Condolences to All the Family on the Passing of Marcus Sherman... Judy, Kelly, Anne, Nick, Everyone Associated with Marcus...
We were so saddened to hear this news from Kelly, who sent us a note on April 25. Marcus will be well-remembered for his enthusiasm and passion for all and everyone that he encountered... He left quite the memories for so many of us... He will be sorely missed, but we of course know that he is sailing that Big Cat Boat in the sky towards the eternal sunset... What a picture of the Captain...
Much Love and Peace to All the Family,
David and Mika
David Blake Willis and Mika Obayashi
Courtney Munroe
April 27, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
My brother, sister, and I all sailed with Marcus on The Eventide. We have the best memories and stories from working with Marcus. We will never forget them and we will never forget him.
The waters of Lewis Bay have not been the same the last few summers without the Big Cat Sail passing by. We know how much love and time Marcus put into the boat and the business.
Praying for you!