Marcus K Bitter Resident of Lancaster, Mass. 82, died, attended by his loving wife Elaine Bitter on March 19th, after a long illness. He was born to William Bitter and Myrtle West Bitter, on July 1, 1927 in Twin Falls, Idaho. After graduation from Madison High School he joined the Naval Air Force where he served for 20 years, and rose to the rank of Lt. Commander. Marcus graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1956 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree Marcus practiced dentistry in Saratoga, California for more than 40 years. He was a devoted member of the Boy Scouts of America where he served as both an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster. During his high school years, during WWII, Marc also served as a Forest Ranger in the Idaho State Park System. Throughout his life Marcus was an active member of Rotary International and received an award for 50 years of dedicated service. After retirement Marcus volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Dientes Community Dental Clinic. He was also an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos and the Santa Cruz Symphony League. Marcus loved to travel and was an avid skier, sailor and pilot. Marcus is survived by his wife Elaine Bitter; his sister Janet Barrus; and his children Bradford E Bitter, of Eugene, Oregon; Gregg M. Bitter, of Ashland, Oregon; and Scott M. Bitter and wife Mary, of Salt Lake City, Utah sons of the late Joan Oblad of Saratoga, California. In addition to his children, Marcus is survived by his granddaughters Jessica Tiner of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; and Amber Napier of Boston, Massachusetts, and four great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Dientes Community Dental Clinic (www.dientes.org). At his request, no services will be held. Marcus has donated his body to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His remains will be buried at sea by the Navy. Marcus was a loving, loyal and generous man. He will be greatly missed.

Published in San Jose Mercury News on March 26, 2010,