MARSHALL, William George

Bill Marshall, was born William George Marshall in Detroit Michigan, June 9, 1930. He died peacefully in his suite at Lasalle Park Retirement Community in Burlington, Ont., on March 6, 2023, accompanied by his children, John William Marshall and Jane Diane Wilcox. Bill was the second child of Jonathan Joseph Marshall and Lena Kirkwood (Douglas) Marshall. He survived his sister Betty Kirkwood (Marshall) Pirie (1928 -2005). He is survived by his brother-in-law, William Hall (1933). The family returned to Canada and eventually settled in the difficult circumstances of the Great Depression in Kitchener, Ont. After the war, they built a house on Frederick Street in Kitchener that stands to this day. At 19 years old, Bill joined the Economical Mutual Insurance Company, where he worked until his retirement in 1994. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Hall (19392006) and they moved to Hamilton, Ont. Next was a home in Burlington and the birth of children, John (1966) and Jane (1968). Bill is survived by his children and their spouses (Pamela Klassen and David Bennett), and by his grandchildren Magdalene, Isabel, and Georgia KlassenMarshall and Benjamin and Nicholas Wilcox. He is also survived and beloved by his nieces and nephews, Susan, Scott, Nancy, Janice, and Judy. Bill was a remarkable human: husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, neighbour, colleague, and teammate. He was a man of generosity, responsibility, joy, and propriety. He knew how to care, how to do what was needed - putting up the bubble at the Appleby Tennis Club, helping his friend build a cottage, driving people for cancer treatment, and advocating for those he cared deeply for. And, crucially and perhaps exceptionally for a man of his generation, how to express his love warmly. Bill and Marilyn created a home that welcomed, nurtured, and taught, by word and example. Those who were close to them understand the warm nurturing security of that home. Bill's kindness and positive energy touched so many. He loved to laugh, play, banter, and be social. Always up for an adventure, Bill had a keen zest for travel and friendly competition. Those who knew and loved Bill will miss him, but also know his presence and spirit will endure through his gentle and enduring influence. The family is grateful for the care Bill received in his later years from staff at Lasalle Park and from his long-time physician Adam Grzeslo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Services of Hamilton or Conservation Halton Foundation. A celebration of life will take place in late spring.

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