Joshua Marsland


Dec 31, 1983 - Oct 5, 2023

Joshua Paul Marsland was a kind soul with a passion for the outdoors. He loved paddleboarding in the bay, snowboarding with friends, and hiking alongside dog Rubi and wife Christie. He had a passion for building things by hand, from vegetable gardens at home to a custom sleeper van for adventures. He enjoyed cooking to bring family and friends together, choosing a career as a Chef for restaurants and privately for families throughout California.


Josh snowshowing in Tahoe


Joshua was a happy, playful baby boy who was the glue that brought his older brother John and younger brothers Chris and Sean closer together. Growing up, Joshua and siblings were inseparable. As they got older, their favorite past times were cooking together as a family around holidays and special occasions, meals orchestrated by Joshua’s gifts in the kitchen.


Joshua was a talented athlete. When he was younger, he loved playing soccer. He could have been a star scoring goals, but instead he chose to protect his team as the last line of defense before the goalie. He was always a team player. Later, Joshua found peace practicing yoga, trail running through the Bay Area, and climbing throughout California.


Joshua is survived by his wife Christie, father David (and his wife Verna), brothers John (and his wife Joanne), Christopher, and Sean, grandparents John, Carol, and Josie, nieces Chloe, Luna, and Zara, as well as countless aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends. Joshua is predeceased by his mother Susan Mary Gonsalves Marsland and his grandfather Mel Gonsalves.


Sadly, Joshua suffered from depression, and he ended his life far too soon before his 40th birthday. We can't bring Joshua back, but we can help prevent others from ending their lives prematurely and support the things he loved. In lieu of flowers, consider donating in his memory to non-profits dedicated to the outdoors and mental health.

Alpenglow

Up with the stars, as we always are
We depart by moonlight, today’s journey, not knowing how far.

Steadily upwards, climbing again,
Switchbacks of life, another mystery around the bend.

As the summit nears, racing the sun,
when first light strikes, man and mountain are one.

A pastel masterpiece depicted by a divine hand,
to know such beauty, only few would understand.

Men of mountains we shall always be, a clearer vision is what we look to see, I’m still climbing brother, I know you are still looking out for me.

Lucas Cassella, Josh's best friend

Joshua's Favorite Quotes

Always look out for the big idea that can change your life.

Susan Marsland


Don't live by your own rules, but in harmony with nature

Epictetus


Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.

Michael Pollan


Let’s love each other like we’re gonna lose each other.

John Legend


Your mind is a garden
Your thoughts are the seeds
You can grow flowers
Or you can grow weeds

Antara


Be kind to yourself
Ask others for help
This too shall pass

Ken Burns


Happiness only real when shared

Chris McCandles, Into the Wild


Talking About Suicide Prevention

Read this article by David Marsland about why need to talk more about preventing suicide

Memories of Joshua

See this article by Josh's Great Uncle Stan about memories of him

See more photos of Joshua in this album

Joshua struggled with depression, and he ended his life far too soon. We can't bring Joshua back, but we can help others and support the things he loved. Consider donating in his memory to non-profits dedicated to the outdoors and mental health:

  • Tree Dedication in Big Basin State Park
    Dedicate a redwood tree to him alongside the one dedicated to his late mother. In 2020, 97% of the forest was scarred in the CZU Lightning fire. Your donation in Joshua’s name helps Sempervirens keep local forests thriving for generations to come