WALDEN – Mark Russell Gerretson died peacefully in his home on December 10. He was with his daughter, Anna Gerretson and her husband Owen Rachampbell, listening to recordings of his own father’s stories. His friend and caretaker, Kathy Barclay, was with him as well. We sent him out with the song “Wooden Ships” by Crosby, Stills and Nash and drank a beer in his honor.
Mark was born January 8, 1949, to Fred and Louise Gerretson (deceased). He spent his childhood in Maryland and Virginia on Chesapeake Bay. He learned to sail from his father, Lieutenant Commander Frederick William Gerretson, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and continued his enrollment thereafter. In addition to learning to sail, Mark inherited an appreciation for beauty from both of his parents, who were professional photographers.
Mark grew up with an older brother, Rick (deceased 2018), and a younger sister, Lisa. Fred, their father, created a family tradition called “Friday Present Night.” He brought Louise a gift and for the kids, Mark remembered, “The aim was that dad would come up with something cool and interesting to eat, blow up, sink or whatever the case was. Things like plastic ants or ants in ice cubes were highly regarded. Firecrackers always had their niche as a good explosive. Nothing very expensive for anyone, but it was the thought that counted.”
Mark attended the Severn School near Annapolis, Md., and enrolled briefly at Drexel University. Despite leaving school, he was incredibly intelligent and taught himself many skills over the years. He was a lifelong learner who avidly studied history, Eastern religions, farming, fine woodworking and many other crafts.
Mark and his first wife Carolyn (Chuzi) Rubin bought land together in Walden during the fall of 1971 as part of the back-to-the-land movement. They broke ground in 1972 and built the house with salvaged timbers from barns in Cabot and Craftsbury. Mark referred to the house as his “magnum opus.” Despite their divorce, Carolyn remembers those times fondly, “There are not many experiences in our lives that create the memories we never forget! This is one of mine.” He lived in the house ever since, except for when he went out on sailing adventures throughout the East Coast and Caribbean and later snow-birded in Virginia with his parents and friends.
Mark’s son, Marsden, was born in June of 1987. He later married Susan Burlingham Gerretson, who he had known for years as a family friend. Together, they had a daughter, Anna Lauren Gerretson, who now resides in East Montpelier. Susan remembers him affectionately, saying that after their separation, “we remained family.”
Mark enjoyed several relationships following. Most recently, he spent many winters with Ella Quinn of Heathsville, Va. He continued to love her deeply until his death.
Mark also leaves behind many amazing friends. He was a charming, funny guy who knew how to help people out with a task and how to celebrate a job well done with a beer. He maintained lifelong connections across his communities in the Northeast Kingdom and the Chesapeake Bay area. Mark continued making friends until the very end, forming special connections during his stints in retirement and nursing homes and with his caregivers back at home. In addition to his woodworking, sailing and friendships, Mark enjoyed tinkering with antique engines, gardening, ice skating, photography, music and excellent food.
Mark will be dearly missed for his sense of humor, encyclopedic knowledge, his excellent storytelling, his magnificent artistry and especially in his role as a father and friend.
This obituary only scratches the surface of the colorful life of an old hippie. If you know any stories that you would like to share, you may reach out to his daughter Anna.
Mark cared deeply about the natural world. Please consider a donation in Mark’s honor to Memphremagog Conservation, the Reedsville Fishermen’s Museum or Audubon Vermont.
There will be a celebration of life in his honor in June of 2026.
Online condolences are welcomed at northernvermontfuneralservice.com
