Justice Marshall laid to rest in Dunnville

December 2, 2009 Dunnville Chronicle

Justice David Marshall, who passed away suddenly last week, was given a hero's farewell and was then laid to rest.

Marshall, a long time Justice of Ontario's Supreme Court and medical practitioner in Haldimand, was recently appointed to the highest honourary position of Colonel Commandant of the Canadian Armed Forces in September. He leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments and a strong family.

He was taken to Riverside Cemetery after a ceremony at St. Paul's Church in Dunnville where hundreds turned out to pay their respects.

Marshall was taken from the ceremony to a waiting glass hearse which carried him through his final journey to his resting place. The carriage itself was led by an honour guard of approximately 30 people, all dressed in uniform and ceremonial attire to pay their respects. The streets outside the church were lined with people waiting to add their homage to the procession.

The large gathering at St. Paul's Church was a testament to Marshall's character, his love of people and Haldimand County.

Marshall was well known in Dunnville, the surrounding area and beyond for his tireless efforts in the judicial system as a judge as well as his time spent as a practicing doctor. For years he practiced medicine in the mornings and law in the evenings leaving some to wonder how he found time for it all.

Marshall's wife Jill Marshall spoke with strength and clarity about her late husband.

"He led by example," said Jill Marshall who was married to Marshall for 48 years.

According to Jill and her extended family Marshall believed in kindness to others above all else. A point made clear in a recent journal submission by Justice Marshall in early November of this year.

"Make yourself a better person every day," read Marshall's wife from his journal.

Marshall had been fighting cancer for some time and passed away due to complications that resulted from a recent surgery.

He will be remembered as a consummate gentleman by those that knew him.

Bud Bradley, Marshall's friend since childhood, said a person would be hard pressed to find a more complete package in one individual as he found in David Marshall.

Mr Justice, Dr Thomas David Colbeck Haydon Marshall was 70 years old.