Eric only ever wanted to teach the newbies class that launches careers in wildland fire. He believed that was the most influential role he could have.

A Career in the Fire Service

He came from the federal side, working as a hotshot and on engines in Arizona. Eric was instrumental in creating the Arizona Wildfire and Incident Management Academy and taught S130/190 classes — the entry-level course that launches careers in wildland fire. He served 23 years in the fire service, protecting land, property and most importantly, human life. He loved being a Hotshot and loved his crew like family. He will be forever missed.

A Life Fully Lived

Eric was so full of life. He wanted to do everything and he did. He competed in 12 and 24 hour endurance mountain bike races through the desert. He rode and raced Harley motorcycles. He rock climbed, ice climbed, and mountaineered. He surfed, he skied, and he ran. In his last years he competed in road bike races, too. He loved pushing his body; he felt great freedom in physical endurance.

Eric had so much talent as a horseman. He whispered to horses and they did whatever he wanted. He was so gifted. He loved his mount Shorty and he spent a lot of time in the saddle roaming around the grasslands and mountains of Yavapai County.

American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.

— patch on Eric's leather motorcycle vest

Southern Roots

Eric was so proud of his southern roots. He was reared in Jefferson, North Carolina. Eric was the only child of John and Jane Marsh who moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona to be near him about six years before he died. Eric was the light of their lives.

Eric was an awesome man. Someone to emulate. It is my hope his death, and the deaths of his 18 comrades, will serve as examples of how to truly and deeply live. They are still changing the world, they continue to change mine everyday.

— Amanda Marsh

Eric's wife and Founder, Eric Marsh Foundation

Continue Eric's Legacy

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