It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Webster Volunteer Fire Department Past Chief, F. Douglas Marquardt.

Obituary of F. Douglas Marquardt:

Webster: Sun., August 30, 2020, age 82. Predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Florence; sister, Fae Kruse. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Donna; children, Julie, Jill (Greg Mandel) and Bernie (Denise Doser); grandchildren, Shane McGee, Allison and Erin Marquardt, Avery Jenkins-Marquardt; sister, Florence (Tony) Flammia; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Doug was a Life Member and Past Chief of Webster Volunteer Fire Dept. serving a total of 63 years. He served on many fire committees at both county and state levels and was a member of the Webster Area Firemen Exempts. A US Army Veteran, Doug retired from Eastman Kodak Co. as a Landscaper/Gardener.

Friends may call 1-5 PM Saturday, September 5 at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave., Webster. Services at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be directed to Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., 35 South Ave., Webster, NY 14580.

The following is shared by Past Chief Ron Gentle:

~ After high school, Doug spent the full year of April of ’57 to March of ‘58 at the New York State Forestry School in the Adirondacks at Wanakena, NY. Full year means, very little time off, maybe two or three weeks total during the whole year. The school was tied to Syracuse University. After returning home from Wanakena in 1958, he joined the WVFD. He eventually decided he wanted to be employed by Kodak. After weekly trips to their employment office, someone got tired of having him there and offered him the job he was seeking in September of 1959. Then he was drafted into the Army in November of ‘61 and spent his two-year obligation as an MP. Prior to his retirement from Kodak in November of 1991, he was responsible for the maintenance of the grounds around Kodak Offices on State Street. Over the years, Doug took many firematic courses at MCC and earned an Associates Degree in Fire Science.

~ He and Donna got married in April of 1967. They took up residency at his family’s homestead at 780 Holt Road and became gentleman and gentlewoman farmers growing flowers and vegetables. Over the years they also raised many different kinds of animals from chickens, ducks, geese and a turkey to sheep, goats, and a pony. In the meantime they successfully raised their three children, Julie, Jill and Bernie. Their farmers’ way of life also greatly influenced two of their neighbors’ kids.

~ Prior to being elected 2nd Asst. Chief in (I believe June of) 1974, he had been a Lieutenant and/or Captain for several terms. He was elected to fill the position I left to fill the 1st Asst. position. He was then reelected to 2nd Asst. in April 1975 and automatically moved up to 1st Asst. in April of ’76 & ’77. He became Chief in April of 1978. Then the Department changed the terms of their officers to January 1st to December 31st. So his term as Chief ended on December 31, 1979.

~ For many years Doug was in charge of the Duck Pond for carnival. Throughout the year he would collect prizes for the stand so he didn’t have to give out the cheap prizes. A week or two before carnival week our two families would get together in their side yard and bag all the prizes. After he turned the Duck Pond over to Jon Freckleton, he worked in the Sausage Stand until his health told him he could no longer work at carnival. But parade night we would find him and Dick Tompkins on the north side of West Main Street applauding the officers of our Department as they marched by.

~ Over the years, Doug belonged to and was an active member of many County firematic organizations. He was well known throughout the County.

~ As a member of the Department and as Chief, Doug shared his vast firefighting knowledge with all of us. He gained the respect of all, especially the young firefighters of the Department. And now that they are considered older members, that respect is still very evident. He will be missed.

~ Fredrick Douglas Marquardt was a great guy, a great friend and a valuable member of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department and the Webster Community. May you rest in peace, dear friend. ;-(