Cheerful Heart loses a super volunteer
courtesy photo
Marshall Bjork
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POLSON — Marshall Bjork passed away on Jan. 8. Marshall had a quiet, confident demeanor even when rooting for or promoting his beloved Montana State Bobcats. Marshall gave his loyal and passionate support to any cause he believed in and that benefited Cheerful Heart for 20 years.
Marshall, born in Great Falls in 1937, moved to Polson in 1972 with wife Betty and three school-age children. Marshall’s resume included earning a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University in industrial engineering, serving in the Marine Corps three years and working in the manufacturing industry using his education. After moving to Polson, he and Betty ran a bulk fuel business and a tire store before retiring.
Betty was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 1995. “Marsh” took care of her, supported her and they made many trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where the slower pace and warmer climate helped with healing. Betty is a “miracle” cancer thriver today after effective oncology treatments and Marshall’s loving care.
When Cheerful Heart, Inc. was established in 2002, Betty and Marshall jumped in with both feet to build a strong, effective, and caring organization. Betty wrote thank you cards and spent time talking with cancer patients in treatment at the Polson Oncology Clinic on Tuesdays. Marshall became a board member and served as board chair for many years.
Marshall made his mark on the organization. He had great fundraising ideas and wasn’t afraid to spread the word in the community about Cheerful Heart. As a former business owner, he found it easy to twist arms of fellow business and organization leaders asking for donations. The most successful CH fundraiser was the Treasure Fest Garage Sale which raised nearly $25,000 over six years. For all those years Marshall picked up garage sale items throughout the year and stored them in his warehouse until it came time to move them to the garage sale venue. If necessary, after the sale he would deliver larger sold items. Marshall loved connecting with people. He had great stories to tell about his interactions with folks when he picked up garage sale items or delivered the purchases. He had a great time until he ran out of volunteer steam. The age of the Cheerful Heart volunteers out-distanced the LOVE for the sale. It was tough to end the successful fundraiser.
Marshall continued to provide rides for patients to treatment and medical appointments. He and the CH board were instrumental in helping design and remodel the Oncology Clinic on the third floor of St. Joseph Hospital as it exists today. CH donated $10,000 toward the project in 2010.
Marshall used his carpenter skills to build a ramp for a cancer patient’s home plus several wood stools for the clinic. When the clinic was remodeled and new large recliners were added, Marshall’s stools allowed the shorter patients to sit more comfortably while receiving chemo.
In 2019 Marshall resigned his position on the board. He and Betty left a stronger more effective Cheerful Heart. We miss him!
