Christopher Anthony Marston, 61, died Sunday, June 6, 2010 at his home in Bay Minette.
He was the fourth of eight children born to Joseph George Lanaux Marston Jr. and Rose Marie Smith. He attended McGill High School, where he excelled as a member of the debate team and began lifelong friendships. He was a student activist at the University of South Alabama before taking a job as a welder at the Alabama State Docks. He went on to work as an organizer for the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union which fueled his passion for the labor movement and the cause of workers’ rights. He later served as the Labor Liaison to the United Way in Mobile, where he connected working families with community resources. He was ideally suited for such work, and spent the rest of his life enhancing community services to workers throughout the country.
His talent led him to Washington, D.C. where he served in the AFL-CIO National Headquarters’ Community Services Department. During his tenure with the AFL-CIO, he was most energized when sharing his expertise with others. A talented speaker, he gave countless talks throughout the years and most enjoyed training new labor liaisons at the National Labor College. He proudly authored “When the Paycheck Stops” and other important works that continue to provide guidance to those dealing with difficult life circumstances. In the last years of his career, he arranged to work from his home on Bay Minette Creek in Baldwin County where he enjoyed fishing from his deck, tending his garden, and catching a few innings of a Braves game. Though he retired earlier this year, he continued to support the labor movement as a mentor and consultant.
A loyal brother, uncle, and friend, he provided generous amounts of time, money, or advice to assist friends or family members in need. Each year for the last 20 years, he looked forward to an annual fishing event which combined his greatest loves: friends, fishing, music, and food. A dedicated father, he never missed an opportunity to dote on his daughter. He will be best remembered for his generous nature, colorful sense of humor, and quick wit.
Survivors include a daughter, Sarah Marston (Jeff) Bogdanovich; grandsons Matthew and William; seven brothers and sisters, Joe (Martha) Martson, Henry Martson, Leila (Gordon) Sanford, Rose (Bernie) Fogarty, Pat (Carmela) Martson, Nick Martson and Tige Martson; 14 nieces and nephews and 17 grand nieces and nephews.
Visitation begins at 10 a.m. with a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12 at the Mobile Convention Center
Cremation arrangements are by Hughes Cremation & Funeral Service, Daphne. Online condolences may be made at hughesfuneralservice.com.
