When I was a teenager in the mid-1960s I used to listen to Gren Marsh on his show "Jazz: The Vintage Years" from my home in Bradley, IL. I just read about his passing, and wanted to express my condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Hal Vickery (Onetime Listener) on: Aug 04, 2015
Growing up in Saskatchewan and wanting to go into broadcasting CKCK Regina was the station and Gren was one of the sterling announcers I admired. We had never met but I thought about him a couple of years ago and went to the internet and found that in retirement he was working at Winnipeg's community station. I do the occasional item for community radio here in my retirement (I was at CKCK for about a decade). I wrote to him and he replied, we exchanged some photos and a friendly and informative phone call. I can't tell you how pleased I was to make that contact and how saddened I was today to learn of his death so many months ago. He was a good one. His family had a Dad and Grandad to be proud of. RIP. - Posted by: Lorne Harasen (recent friend, long time admirer) on: Feb 24, 2015
It's been nearly 6 months since we lost you, and my sadness will never leave. I miss my dad. - Posted by: Cynthia (daughter) on: Jan 12, 2015
Gren and I met in Regina back in the early 50's.He was working at CKCK and I at CKRM. We hit it off immediately and became good friends. I remember many enjoyable coffee sessions with him and Lorraine. Gren was a man of wide interest and it was through him that I developed an interest and appreciation of jazz.He was just a great guy.Ab Douglas - Posted by: ab douglas (friend and broadcasting colleague) on: Jul 26, 2014
I'll be seeing youin all the old familiar places,that this heart of mine embracesall day through.In that small cafe;the park across the way;the children's carousel;the chestnut trees;the wishing well.I'll be seeing youon every lovely summer's day;in everything that's light and gay.I'll always think of you that way.I'll find youin the morning sun.And when the night is new.I'll be looking at the moon...but I'll be seeing you. - Posted by: Colleen Orvis (Granddaughter) on: Jul 15, 2014
As a board operator I was sometimes on "the other side of the glass" during Gren's afternoon jazz show and I recall how he would quietly extend musical kindnesses. Gren was aware that I liked jazz fiddle and very often, when he knew I'd be operating, he would slip a Joe Venuti, Ray Nance or Stephane Grappelli into his playlist. Thanks again, Gren. - Posted by: Rick Inglis (Friend/Colleague) on: Jul 10, 2014
My life was enriched at a very young age, being exposed to my Dad's music and humour on a daily basis. "Listening Sessions" were particularly inspiring and formed an interesting base to my own musical tastes. Pure jazz genius is a gift available to few people, and my father had it down. I appreciate the kind words included in these comments and I will treasure his memory until I meet him again. I also appreciate so much Ron Paley's performance during the funeral service. He hit the first notes of "Take the A Train" and my childhood unfolded before my eyes. I had angels for parents... thanx to all. Always treat your family to the best love you can muster. It all comes back on angels' wings. Love is all you need. - Posted by: Gregory Marsh (proud son) on: Jul 08, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Gren on air in the mid 70s as part of the Radio Noon team in Winnipeg, the programme that "connected the country with the city." When we would go out of town for special broadcasts, Gren had a talent for finding great meal deals, looking to save some of the money we were allotted for daily meals. With five kids to raise, I'm sure evey penny counted. He had such a dry wit, and genial disposition, he was just fun to be around. My condolences to the family. I will listen to some jazz classics and remember his love for music and radio. - Posted by: Marilyn Smith (former colleague, CBC Radio, Winnipeg) on: Jul 08, 2014
What a kind, gentleman he was! For quite a few years my little office was near the record library, and Gren would always stop and chat on his way to return or pick up music for his radio shows, and watching him do the weather on television - obviously not his favourite assignment! - was worth the price of admission!He was one of those people that made many us look forward to going to work every day. Thanks, Gren, for helping to make CBC Manitoba such a good place to work -it was a privilege to call you my colleague. - Posted by: Frankie Glickman (CBC colleague) on: Jul 07, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time - Posted by: Susan And Dennis Buckley (Friends of Gary and Mariette Marsh) on: Jul 07, 2014
Uncle Gren was my HERO from the day he saw to some school bullies who chucked my brother in a ditch. At the age of 8, I had no idea he was a somebody on the radio. Then, one morning before school, I saw him giving a weather forecast on the TV- written on a blackboard, no less, with a notice in big block capitals "NO RANDOLPH SCOTT MOVIE TONIGHT".I have been in the UK for 43 years now and my love for my Uncle Gren never waivered, never diminished. He used to ring me to get the dirt on CORNONATION STREET- "now tell me Janis, is Gail really going to marry her toyboy/ now tell me Janis, how did Vera get down after Jim took away the staircase, etc." Then he'd meet up with his mates at POLO PARK and bet them on the outcome of the latest cliff-hanger! I loved being his snitch! I would even tell him what colour blouse someone was wearing or something equally unlikely to foretell. What a hoot! His voice found Richard Burton, James Mason and yes, even the great Terry Wogan (BBC 2), a little bit wanting!He used to whistle like an oriole, too -"SUMMERTIME" whilst driving through a blizzard. WHAT A HOOT! So sad to know he's gone:so proud he was my Uncle Gren! - Posted by: Janis Abbott (niece) on: Jul 06, 2014
I was a rookie at the CBC in 1973 when I met your Dad. I was more than a little nervous, but your father was gracious and warm and let me know that he wasn't going to let me make a mistake. One more great radio voice in heaven, where I'm told the jazz nevers stops. - Posted by: Karen Webb (friend/colleague) on: Jul 05, 2014
Thank-you ever so much for the kind words and stories. We will miss our father forever. Again, Thank You: Cynthia - Posted by: Cynthia Driedger (Daughter) on: Jul 05, 2014
Gren was a gentle teddy bear of a man...one of the easiest and nicest announcers to work with when I joined the staff at CBW in the 70s as a very young and inexperienced announce voice. Loved his voice, and his trademark dry sense of humour. Favorite memory was his hosting the As Yet Un-named Saturday Morning Radio Program (AYUNSMURP for short). Especially the Worst Song contest, with Norman Temple's "I Hate Bugs". And hosting a number of Fiddle Contests with him in rural Manitoba. Never knew what he was going to say next! Gren was one of a kind, and Garry and I send our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Agatha Moir (former fellow announcer at CBC Winnipeg) on: Jul 05, 2014
I have been busy trying to think of the right things to say about Gren (Grandpa) Marsh. I would love to start by saying that Grandpa Marsh was a man whom loved unconditonally. I was blessed to have him as a role model and a leader of his great family/legacy. I remember fondly listening to his shows on CJNU and being given a chance to be apart of one of his broadcasts. "Not kill-o-meters, Patrick. Kee-lo-meters".His voice was one of a kind, he is truly a Canadian Media Legend.He was an amazing man, father, grandfather and a really Great grandfather.Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. Love you always Grandpa. - Posted by: Patrick Liitle (Grandson) on: Jul 05, 2014
I met Gren in 1994. The first time I met him he grabbed my cheeks, pinched them and told me how cute I was. His smile was so contagious and refreshing, was nice to see such a friendly face. He seemed like a simple man who really enjoyed life! I became very fond of him and his family and they welcomed me into their family. His son John and I gave Gren a granddaughter, he couldn’t be happier. I remember the first time he held this baby…he totally coddled her and that was it, their relationship bonded. I remember him as such a gentle man. As time went on, we moved on with our lives and he grew older, we grew apart. I never nor could ever forget about this man or his smile….and that voice! What an amazing voice, one nobody could ever forget. Sadly, the last time I saw Gren was almost 2 years ago when John took him for a drive to my house. He didn’t get outta the car but we were both happy to see each other. Gren was and always will be missed and loved. I send my love and condolences to my daughter Abigail and the rest of the Marsh family, take comfort in knowing he is at peace with god.GOD SPEED xo - Posted by: Julie Martens (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2014
Gren classic broadcast announcer and first to greet me at cbc winnipeg.warm honest and first to correct and praise.We shared hosting music to listen to jazz by on cbc fm sats for 20 years travelled to ny for jazz festival and met many of his favourite stars.not only funny but a unique innocent. To me he reprented radio the way it should be...Gren and you ..Rest in peace my friend - Posted by: Ivan LeMesurier Lee (close friend and fellow broadcaster) on: Jul 05, 2014
I have a flood of memories of your Dad. The classic weather man on CBC’s 24 Hours News. (too bad the stuff shirts at CBC did not appreciate his humor). Hearing the stories of sitting in the record library “just resting my eyes Don”. Oh and just in case you are wondering, my Dad is still clearing snow and cleaning septic fields if anyone is interested. Thanks Chris for arranging those lunches for our Dad’s. It was great to sit back and listen to them reminisce about the good old days. Well I have more, but that’s everything “Up to Now”! I need to go and listen to some “Music to listen to Jazz by” on the “As yet unnamed Saturday Morning Radio Show”. – Love ya man! Grant & Debbie - Posted by: Grant & Debbie McLaren (Friends) on: Jul 05, 2014
A kind soul. Grieve gently family.... - Posted by: Melanie (Caregiver) on: Jul 05, 2014
Remember Gren's mellow voice as a "fun" host on CBC from years ago.In recent months got to meet him personally at Tuxedo Villa, where I visit my spouse on a daily basis. He always had a friendly "Hi Bill" for me when we met in the Dining/"Games Room", at the Villa. For a while he used his "voice" to do the Bingo calling at the weekly session. He was usually accompanied by his son, Chris, who was also an open and friendly human. We who meet in the "Games Room" at the Villa for meals, will miss these two men. - Posted by: Bill Block (Recent friend) on: Jul 04, 2014
We were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Marsh a few years ago while he was visiting family in Ottawa. It was such a delight to be able to sit and talk to such a wonderful person. His friendly manner and sense of humour made you feel like he was an old friend you had known for years. We pass along our condolences to the family and especially Gary our brother-in-law. Remember the good times and the great legacy he leaves. - Posted by: Lynn, Brad, Lake & Paige Johnston () on: Jul 03, 2014
I will always remember Gren befriending me when I first moved to Winnipeg as a young CBC broadcaster, and knew no one. He had me on his programme, and was one of the funniest, most creative people I'd met - a sort of Leslie Neilsen of Radio. Older, respected, and completely silly. His "As Yet Unnamed Saturday Morning Radio Programme" remains one of the finest examples of CBC at its best. Fun, smart, irreverent. Gren. Thank you, dear friend. - Posted by: Louise Penny (friend/colleague) on: Jul 03, 2014
