JOHN MARCHANT
MELBOURNE
Died: Sep 26,
2003
| JOHN
MARCHANT MELBOURNE -- John Russell (Russ) Marchant, 70, died Friday, September 26, 2003, while visiting his daughter in Sydney, Australia. Russ was born in Oxford, England and resided in Melbourne, Florida for over 40 years. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda and her husband Alan; grandchildren, Jessica and Matthew; and Amanda's mother, Anita. Russ had a career of over 23 years with Pan Am World Airways Aerospace Services Division at Cape Canaveral Air Force Eastern Test Range, Patrick Air Force Base, and in Cocoa Beach. Russ held several management positions that included extensive international marketing and program development. While with Pan Am he was also a consultant to the Japanese Space Agency. Later, at McDonnell-Douglas, Mr. Marchant developed and managed the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Flight Test Program prior to retiring. A very skilled and experienced aviator himself, Russ enjoyed flying light aircraft and gliders as recreation. Russ had many hobbies, but his greatest love was the piano. He was an accomplished pianist and excelled at Jazz. He was a member of the Brevard Jazz Society and was often seen playing at Heidi's in Cocoa Beach. He was the pianist in Len Turner's American Express Band for eight years as well as playing singleengagements in Florida's East Coast Country Clubs. A consummate performer, he will be sadly missed by the music world. A memorial service will be held at Ascension Catholic Church, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2003. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers. |