This all-round athlete left sports community richer
Hall of Famer Greg Marchen inspired others in helping his wife, Sharon, with her battle against multiple sclerosis
On Monday, we lost Greg Marchen, one of the city’s finest all-round athletes.
Besides being a quality competitor in hockey, softball and lacrosse, Greg exemplified what a dedicated husband and citizen can be.
It was somewhat ironic that Greg passed away during Canada Day week. Greg epitomized what many believe are the attributes Canadians should strive for in sport or life. He was a hard-working, intense athlete who was able to transfer those qualities to a highly respected lifestyle.
Over his playing days, Greg competed in Jr. B hockey for Peterborough, Sr. A hockey for Belleville, Sr. A lacrosse for Peterborough, professional lacrosse in Maryland and city league softball.
He also refereed hockey and played seniors softball and hockey.
In August of 2018, Greg lost Sharon, his wife of 52 years.
Their battle with her multiple sclerosis over the many years was awe-inspiring to all who knew the couple. Greg’s dedication to make Sharon’s life as fulfilling and complete as possible was so admired by all.
In his playing days, Greg didn’t lose too many battles. Those who played with him always knew Greg had their back and those who competed against him respected his loyalty to his team and the game.
Anyone who played with and against Greg in later years in seniors hockey and softball, soon saw that the focused competitiveness that carried Greg through those years of highlevel sports, was not far below the surface in those lighthearted games.
That determination in his eyes was never obscured by his smile. One quickly learned, when the game was on, regardless of the calibre, so was Greg. It was obvious why he was nicknamed “The Mauler” in his competitive days.
When Greg and Sharon started spending their winters in Florida, Greg took up shuffleboard. More than a few unaware opponents saw that intense competitiveness bubble to the surface in a friendly game on the court. Put a stick, bat or cue in Greg’s hands anywhere and it was game on.
It was the other side of Greg we got to know in the later years; the teddy bear side as some said. This included, besides his devotion to Sharon, his fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, his organizing skills in arranging seniors’ events, his volunteering with the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame and his refereeing.
Greg Marchen was one of Peterborough’s well-known and revered athletes and citizens but it was his dedication to his wife, Sharon, over all those years that enhanced his legacy and garnered so much respect.
Communities grow on the accomplishments of their citizens. Greg and Sharon Marchen leave Peterborough so much better.
Greg has been recognized for his athletic accomplishments but it was the indelible mark he and Sharon have left on our city that will last.
Those that had the good fortune to interact with either Greg or Sharon, quickly realized the depth of their relationship.
Those that were able to know Greg through his athletic prowess knew how focused and loyal he was to the game, at whatever level or importance. They also realized that he was able to transfer that intensity to a different level when it came to everyday life.
As our community and nation work through this pandemic, the examples of how the Marchens battled through the adversities they faced should inspire us all.
They left our community so much richer, so much more appreciative of how ordinary individuals with special talents in a particular area can use those abilities to make other individuals and the entire community better.
They will be missed.