Marshall was born in London in 1934, the youngest of three brothers. After first attending a local school, he then went to Emanuel School. I am his second wife and unfortunately never got the opportunity to visit the school. I know, however, that he loved his time at Emanuel and excelled at sports. His most vivid memories were of rowing from Putney Bridge up the Thames. His artistic talent also became apparent and he loved the art classes.
After completing school, he went for his National Service, part of which was spent in Malaya (as it was then). Several family members before him had had excellent careers in the army and this was where he found his purpose in life. He was fortunate to be chosen for the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and after graduating as an officer, the rest of his working career was spent in the British Army.
He lived all over the world starting with Kenya, where he was sent shortly after marrying his first wife, Jean. He spent several years in Cyprus, Singapore and Germany, where their only son was born. He was fortunate to participate in a two-year exchange programme with the US army at Fort Eustace in Virginia and was also stationed at various army bases in the UK.
He attained the rank of Major and after more than 30 years of service he retired, but continued working for the army as a civilian, for a further 11 years. After this he devoted his life to drawing, painting and participating in village life.
He was an accomplished artist and led the Army Arts Society whilst in the military. He was also part of the Salisbury Group of Artists for many years and used to take groups to paint at scenic locations around Salisbury.
Until recently, we lived in the village of Enford, Wiltshire in a beautiful thatched cottage that was originally built in the 1730s. He bought this very run down property in 1984 and it took a year to renovate. Many happy events were celebrated there with his first wife, Jean, who passed away in 2012 from cancer. I met Marshall in 2013 and we continued to live at Long Cottage until 2022. In his later life, he unfortunately developed dementia and passed away on Saturday 3 May, 2025 after suffering a severe stroke at the age of 91.
I will miss him terribly. To the end he never lost his courteous, slightly whimsical manner, which endeared him not only to me, but also to all his devoted carers.
Kathleen Kearney, wife
