E. Wilfred Marshall, aged 107, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023 at Shiretown Nursing Home. He was the son of Alexander Fraser Marshall and Gertrude Lillian (Simpson) Marshall. He is survived by his daughter, Beverley Scott; three grandchildren, Ken (Sheri) Scott, Heather (Mike) Bates, Bonnie (Mark) Wilson; and four great grandchildren, Kara Scott, Alec Bates, Ethan and Cameron Tibbetts. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Doris (Cameron) Marshall, his son-in-law, Cantley Scott, his sister, Myrtle MacEachern, and his step mother, Mary (MacDonald) Marshall.
Wilfred held various jobs over his working years; Sunshine Laundry, The Beacon Dredge Company in Cape Breton, Norfolk Hotel, and his last job was at McKay Plumbing and Heating as Parts Manager where he stayed until he retired in his seventies.
Wilfred and Doris moved into the senior complex on Almont Avenue in 1979 where he was maintenance man for many years. He loved woodworking, making clocks, tables, magazine racks and footstools to name a few. We are left with many of his creations which we will treasure for years to come. Wilfred and Doris were very social with many friend groups. They were often found in the common area laughing with friends over a game of cards, a jigsaw puzzle or just hanging out.
Wilfred was very involved with the Marshall Clan, he was an Elder and on the Board of Managers at the First Presbyterian Church, a Past Master of the Orange Lodge with a Black Knight Degree. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias and was a member of the Linacy Fire Department.
Wilfred moved into the Shiretown Nursing Home in Pictou at the age of 99. The family would like to thank the staff for their excellent care and compassion over the past almost nine years of his residence. There are too many to name but a huge thank you to those who took the time to create a special bond with Wilfred. He often spoke of you during our visits. Your hard work, dedication, and caring did not go unnoticed.
Visitation 1-2pm Thursday, followed by funeral at 2pm, in First Presbyterian Church, 208 MacLean St., Glasgow. In lieu of donations, visit a neighbour, reach out to a friend, or connect with a loved one - spread kindness. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.
A Life Well Lived - Our Grandfather
It was March 11, 1915 when our Gramp, Wilfred Marshall, was born. Gramp’s mother passed away in child birth leaving him to be raised by his father, paternal grandmother, and paternal aunt. When he was a young adult, his father married his step mother, our Grandma Mary.
Gramp’s home was filled with love but his early years were not always easy. As a young boy Gramp would head to the train tracks to collect coal as it fell off the cars. The train workers would shovel a scoop when they spotted him. He’d take the coal home where it was used to heat his house.
Gramp always had a love of water and in particular boats. At 16, he owned his own boat and boy did he love it. During that time, you’d be sure to find Gramp at the wharf and out on the East River. The East River was bustling with activity in those days. It was one such day when a group of girls working at the old Aberdeen Hospital on the westside made their way to the wharf. One of those girls was Doris Cameron, our Gram. We don’t know if it was love at first sight but we know they were together from that day forward, married 67 years sharing a love that was unmatched and a joy to be around.
Gram and Gramp welcomed their only child, our mom, in 1941. It didn’t take long for mom to become Gramp’s shadow. Where he went, she would follow. They were pretty much inseparable when mom was growing up; skating on the East River, spending time on the wharf where the schooners would dock with PEI potatoes, local events as a family including exhibitions and parades, to name a few. That bond was evident when Gramp went into Shiretown in 2014 at 99 years of age and mom would visit every day.
As retirement years set in for Gram and Gramp along came us, their only three grandchildren. A more involved Gramp you could not find. Our memories are many and include strawberry picking, sleepovers, driving lessons, and Christmas mornings when we were sure Gramp was dropped off by Santa because he was always there when we woke up.
Gramp never lost his interest in his family; consistently asking many questions of his great grandchildren’s activities and happenings. As he would hear stories of a team made, a ribbon won, or a loss taken he would smile and usually say, well isn’t that something.
Gramp set the bar high as he shared his love of life with us and showed us what makes a great human; a genuine kindness toward others, a love of people, and his faith in God. How lucky we were to have our Gramp reach 107 years.
Ken, Heather, and Bonnie