Robert Edwin Marshall

Bob was born July 21, 1926, to Robertha and Leslie Marshall in Vancouver. As a boy and young man, Bob participated in several sports (swimming, rugby, football, and skiing) and played the piano. Bob was also a proud cadet member of the Seaforth Highlanders. After graduating from King Edward High School, he went to UBC to do a pre-med degree. In 1948, he entered medical school in Montreal at McGill University.

Bob met his future wife Gerry through their parents who shared a passion for boating – both families were members of the Burrard yacht club and spent summers exploring the waters of the southern BC coast.

Bob married Gerry on August 21, 1951, and they spent a year in Montreal while Bob finished medical school. They then returned to Vancouver where Bob did his internship at Vancouver General Hospital. In a move that would define his career in medicine, Bob chose small town family practice, first at Lake Cowichan for two-and-a-half years and then in 1955 in Mission where Bob and Gerry raised their five children.

Bob was devoted to his patients and to the development of Mission Memorial Hospital - in particular the maternity ward and the first rehabilitation ward which focused on stroke recovery. In 50’s and 60’s Mission, he saw the need for technical medical skills, so he studied and advanced his skills in minor surgery and anaesthesia. He also understood the value and need for personal interaction with patients and spent many hours a week making house calls. His patients became lifelong friends.

Bob believed in the importance of striving to improve the delivery of medicine. This led to an active role in continuing education with the BC Medical Association through the library committee and with the College of Physicians and Surgeons where he served on the professional standards committee for which he was awarded a medal for “outstanding service 1964-1992”. Bob retired from family practice in 1990.

In retirement, Bob continued his community service as a board member of the Mission Foundation from 1991 to 2004. He was also an active member of the Mission lawn bowling club, a beekeeper and an avid wood turner and cabinet maker (crafting chests for each of his 12 grandchildren).

Bob’s children remember fondly the many family camping, canoeing, skiing and road trip adventures with Bob and Gerry. For many years Bob was a scout master – leading one memorable trip around the Bowron Lakes in 1966.

Bob enjoyed writing, both keeping a daily journal and publishing his memoirs. Relaxing for Bob was listening to classical music, reading and walking with Gerry and the family dog.

Bob was predeceased by Gerry, his wife of 71 years, his parents, his sister Jane, and brother Jim.

Bob is survived by his five children Liese (Ken) Goosen, James (Julie) Marshall, Robbie (Peter) Laslo, Cam (Judi) Marshall, Megan (Peter) Perry and 12 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, his brother Don (and Diane) Marshall, sister-in-law Helen Nesbit and many nieces and nephews.

Bob will be remembered for his optimism, confidence and “get it done” attitude that saw him never hesitate to take on large and small projects and ventures with remarkable success.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28 at 1:00 pm at the Ladner Fishermen’s Hall, 4481 Savoy St., Delta BC.