Obituary of David George Marshall

David George Marshall passed away peacefully on August 29, 2005. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas George and Martha Ann (Mina) Marshall. David leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 57 years, June; his son, Peter (Kate) of Vancouver; and, daughters Sue of Regina, Judy (Bill) of Ceduna, South Australia and Mimi (Roy) of Maple Creek. Grampie will be greatly missed by Meghan and Andrew, Casey, and Brynne. Born on October 1, 1924, Dad was brother to Victor (Florence), Gwen (Bob), Ruth (George) and Miriam. The son of a Presbyterian minister, Dad found his faith early in life and it remained strong even while facing ALS. He was an active and much-loved member of First Presbyterian Church. At eighteen, Dad joined the Canadian army in 1943 to fight overseas. A proud member of the South Alberta Regiment, Dad participated in the liberation of France, Holland and Belgium. Wounded twice, he claimed what saved him was that the shrapnel always hit him in the head. Although he saw the worst that people could do to each other, he also witnessed grace, resilience and fortitude. He remained close to the Dutch people who billeted him as a young soldier and had a special place in his heart for the country that showed such gratitude to him and his fellow soldiers. After the war, Dad went to Khaki University in England and continued his education in Ontario. He married Mom in 1948 and they moved to Regina in 1952. He spent twenty seven years travelling the province for Gestetner and another 13 years with Mutual Life. Handsome, charming and funny, Dad could sell ivory to an elephant but only if the elephant really needed it. Davids family would like to thank all those who shared his life. The past year was difficult and his friends stepped up with offers of support, food, car rides and visits. If the measure of a mans life is judged by not just the quantity of his friends but the quality, Dad was a very rich man indeed. We'll miss his sparkle.