Grandfather, U.S. Army veteran, music lover, HR manager

Sydney Gardner “Ted” Marchant died peacefully at his home in Claremont on November 9 at the age of 85. “Ted led a rich and satisfying life, abundant with love, dedication, service, and an enduring connection to family, friends, and the communities in which he lived,” his family shared.

Born August 29, 1938, in Gloucester, Massachusetts to Stanley S. and Anna K. (O’Connell) Marchant, Ted graduated from Gloucester High School in 1956 and Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, in 1960. Following graduation from Norwich, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and served at Fort Carson, Colorado.

After his military service, he had a long and fulfilling career as a human resources manager with Avco Lycoming, Xerox Corporation, and United Technologies. “He was known for his loyalty, hard work, and the ability to relate to people at all levels,” his family said. “He never shied away from asking hard questions.”

Music was a constant source of joy. He played the clarinet, led his high school ROTC band, and was proud to have marched in President Eisenhower’s first inaugural parade in 1953. As an adult, he sang in various church and community choirs, including the Joslyn Singers in Palm Desert, California.

He enjoyed doing projects around the house, yard work, and puttering in the garage. In his later years, he became an avid coin collector. He was an active Rotarian in three different clubs beginning in the early 1970s and served in many leadership positions at the churches he attended. “His generous spirit and dedication to service were constants throughout his life,” his family added.

He and his wife Wilma traveled extensively after they retired, and loved spending time with family and friends. They moved to Claremont from Palm Desert in 2022 to be closer to family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Wilma (Smith) Marchant; children Beth Marchant (Rafael Perez-Torres) of Santa Barbara, Judy Marchant of Claremont, and Jim (Jessica) Marchant of Claremont; beloved grandchildren Hayden Seto, Andrew Marchant, Laurel Marchant, and Caetano Perez-Marchant; and his sister, Jeannette Marchant, of Webster, New York.

“Ted was a man of integrity, resilience, kindness, and warmth,” his family said. “His influence will continue to be felt by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, service, and unforgettable memories.”

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. February 3, 2024, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, California.

Contributions in his memory may be made by check to the Claremont Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 357, Claremont, CA 91711.