Robert L. Marchand

December 17, 2021

Fairhaven High School Educator-History Department Chairman

Fairhaven - Robert L. Marchand, age 79, of Fairhaven, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 17, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Burrell) Marchand with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Acushnet, he was the son of the late Lionel and Noella (Bernique) Marchand. Mr. Marchand was a graduate of New Bedford High School, who went on to study history at Southern State College (currently Southern Arkansas University) and also attended Texas Christian University. He graduated with honors in 1968 and came back to the south coast to teach and inspire the students at Fairhaven High School from 1968 to 2004. While teaching at FHS, he became the History Department Chairman and served as a member on the teacher's union contract negotiation team. Robert started the prestigious "Black Ace" award which was given weekly to the top defensive player of the previous week's game. His support and dedication encouraged his Fairhaven community with respect and pride. Spending time with his family and friends were very important. He was very much influenced in his life and teachings by the American author, Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau once said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." These words were instilled in his students and his family and he will be deeply missed by many. Survivors in addition to his wife Karen, is his loving son, U.S. Army Captain Paul Marchand of Fall River; his brother, Richard Marchand and his life-time companion Marilyn Goss of New Bedford; his sister, Nancy Marchand of New Bedford; a niece, Abi Sweeney of Boston; a nephew, Jeremy Sweeney of CA; a sister-in-law, Lorene Sweeney of New Bedford; and Channon Sherman of New Bedford who was like a son. On behalf of Robert's wishes, private arrangements were in the care of WARING-SULLIVAN FAIRLAWN MORTUARY, 180 Washington St. Fairhaven, MA 02719. For on-line tributes, please visit our website at: www.waring-sullivan.com Posted online on December 28th 2021