
Marshall Maw Poulsen
1945 – 2025
“To die will be an awfully big adventure.”
J.M. Barrie’s play Peter Pan.
Marshall M. Poulsen of Edmond, Oklahoma, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend died on January 10, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on December 28, 1945, to Alton and Christabell Poulsen. He was the youngest son of three boys. At 12 days old, Marshall had an emergency appendectomy. At the time, he was the youngest person in Utah to undergo such an operation. Curare, the vegetable poison used on arrows by South American Indigenous people, was used to produce the anesthesia. The successful surgery was front page news. Marshall carried a large scar from the surgery but went on to live a life full of love and adventure.
Marshall attended East High School in Salt Lake City. He was a multi-sport athlete receiving a football scholarship to Dixie College. He traveled to Denmark on a mission trip in 1965. Marshall often told stories about his time in Denmark. The highlight of his experience was helping people he encountered along the way.
Upon returning to Utah, Marshall attended the University of Utah, achieving a Bachelors of Philosophy and a Masters of Administration.
During his time at school, Marshall met the love of his life, Vicki Joy Brimhall. After proposing to her on their second date, Marshall continued to proclaim his love to her. At a dance, he sang the song More Than the Greatest Love the World Has Known to Vicki. They were married on September 11, 1969.
Three years after marrying, Marshall and Vicki embarked on a great teaching adventure to Alaska. Both taught school in Wainwright Village and later, Point Barrow (Utqiagvik), Alaska. They lived without most of the modern conveniences of the day. During this time, Marshall developed a curriculum connecting village elders and students to promote academic and cultural understandings. Students learned to scrimshaw and even build animal skin boats at school. It was important to Marshall and Vicki that traditions, customs and heritage were celebrated and incorporated throughout the school day.
Marshall also wrote grants promoting educational growth for children and families on the North Slope. He planned an exchange program between Inupiat and Polynesian families from Alaska and Hawaii, respectively. This meaningful cross-cultural experience was the first of its kind. Marshall made lifelong friends while in Alaska. He often recounted tales from their time on the tundra, including a showdown with a charging polar bear.
When they returned to Utah, Marshall continued his education working towards a doctorate in Administration. Marshall worked as a healthcare administrator at Primary Children’s Hospital. Then as Vice President of Marketing at St. Benedict’s Hospital in Ogden, Utah. In 1987 the Poulsen family moved to Oklahoma where Marshall served as Vice President of Marketing at what was then South Community Hospital in Oklahoma City. After retirement, in keeping with his love of helping people, Marshall continued grant writing and wrote several impactful grants for community healthcare and education funding.
Marshall and Vicki spent 56 happy years together. They have four children, Brandi Kai, Kailee Joy, Kandi Kailynn and Philip Marshall.
Marshall was a devoted father to his children and a loving grandfather to his seven grandchildren. He encouraged them to ask the tough questions and to think critically. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids participate in athletic events, theater and musical productions. He looked forward to holidays and birthday gatherings with family each year. Marshall was a lover of strong coffee, black (salt) licorice, folk music, old westerns and dogs. The family dogs often chose Marshall as their favorite companion. He had a soft-spoken nature, making him truly a dog whisperer.
Marshall will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his intellect, wit and loving nature. A lifelong learner, he would often be found reading and taking copious notes or watching a historical documentary. He loved to make people laugh and always had a joke up his sleeve that was sure to bring a smile.
Marshall is survived by his beloved wife, Vicki Poulsen of Edmond; his children Kailee (Chris) Zehrung of Edmond, Kandi (Drew) Deaton of Edmond, and Philip (Emily) Poulsen of Dallas, Texas; his grandchildren Hayden, Grant, Amy, Reese, Rigby, Barrett and Callum; his brother Kent Poulsen of Oregon, and Brother in-law Dennis (Debbie) Brimhall of Sandy, Utah. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Brandi Kai, father Alton, mother Christabell, and brother Boyd Poulsen.
In keeping with Marshall’s personal philosophy, in leu of flowers, the family would like to encourage a donation to a charity of your own personal choosing. Make a difference in the place you feel called.
A family gathering to honor Marshall will take place at a later date.
“ Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day… unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.” – Unknown
Great man. He will be missed!
The most wonderful boss, mentor, friend and brother. He will always be in my heart. I love you Marsh.
Wow, Kandi! What a full, wonderful, adventurous life! Wish we had known him better! Y’all were so blessed! Love y’all and keeping y’all in our hearts and prayers!
He will be missed. He left a wonderful family amazing legacy.
Oh my goodness, where do we start? Dennis has a lifetime of memories with Vicki, but he & l got married 3 years after you & Marsh. Oh man did we have tons of fun & years of love & laughter together! We will miss Marsh here on earth but l know we’ll all connect again. He is such a GREAT man & a superb brother(-in-law). More of a big brother! We could go on & on but, we’ll wait to see u all & tell stories together! You know how much we love u all & are here for u. LOVE, LOVE LOVE & HUGS! Your brother Dennis & Debbie.