Marshall Granados

Ukiah, Ca – Marshall “Big Marsh” Granados passed away in the early morning hours of January 4, 2020 in Ukiah, California after a short illness. He was 88 years old. He was born as an identical twin, on October 22, 1931 in Roll Arizona with his brother Martin “Marty” Granados, whom he remained close to throughout their lives. The twins were two of 7 children born to Francis Hernandez and Herman Granados of Indio, Calif.

Marsh grew up in Vista, Calif., where the family ran a successful produce farm. Marsh was a sportsman throughout his life, starting in high school and continuing into his adult years where he pitched adult softball for leagues in San Rafael and San Mateo. After graduating from Vista High School, Marsh went on to enlist in the United States Air Force. He served from 1951-55 and was awarded two Bronze Stars, one of which was received after Marsh pulled a fellow airman from a burning building. 

Marsh and Marty were stationed at Hamilton Airfield in Novato before becoming longtime Marin County business owners. Marsh ran Marsh’s Auto Body in San Rafael until 1981 when he moved the business to Ukiah California with his longtime partner Mardel Madill. 

Marsh’s shop was always like a home, with comfortable places to sit and visit.  He was a good cook, and it would not be unusual to find him making a stew or pot of beans for lunch. Marsh was known for his generous spirit and kind heart, frequently helping people and animals in need. His shop became an after-hours stop for many friends throughout the years. Dogs were as much a part of the shop as cars were. He enjoyed working on home projects and gardening.

His artistry was in restoring cars. He loved MGB sport cars and worked frequently with formula racing cars. As an “Old School” mechanic he could improvise and fix any part in an engine. He was an avid racing fan and perfected metal fairings on cars that raced in the early days of the former Sears Point Raceway. On a good day, he could be found at Turn 2 with a tent and cooler of beer looking forward to an exciting day of racing. 

Marsh was preceded in death by brother Frank (2018), Marty (2017), and his first wife Rita Granados (2017).

He is survived by his siblings Polly Mulleneaux, Tencha Apodaca, Barbara Canel, of Southern Calif., Jerry Granados of Ukiah, and his second wife Karen Granados of San Rafael; by his children Fred Robbins of Santa Rosa, Cynthia Granados of Petaluma, Marshall Granados of Berkeley, Teresa Granados of Woodacre, Shelley Granados of Fairfax, William Granados of Woodacre, and Gary Granados of Ukiah; and by eight grandchildren.

Family and friends are welcome to share remembrances of his life, Sunday March 8, 1:00 PM, Sun House Senior Apartments Community Room, 170 Cleveland Ln., Ukiah, California.