Eric Marsh

Eric passed away peacefully on February 22, 2014 at the age of 92. He has joined Grace (February 14. 2009) his beloved wife of 57 years.

Born in Deal Kent UK, February 7 1922 to parents Alan Mandeville & Lilian Florence Marsh, he was the oldest of 3 siblings. He is predeceased by his sister Pam (Mardock) and survived by his brother Tony.

Barely 19 Eric enrolled and served in the RAF from Oct.1941 - Oct.1946, as a Halifax bomber pilot with 77 Squadron. Successfully completing 36 missions mainly over the Rhur, his crew fondly referred to him as “lucky Eric.” After the war the squadron was converted to Transport Command and he was posted to India flying DC3’s between Katachi, New Delhi, Calcutta and Rangoon. Upon release from the RAF he returned to work at Sun Insurance before immigrating to Canada in 1948.

Eric settled in Canada and gained employment with Coca-Cola Ltd. where he worked for 36 years with the majority of his time as the Controller until his retirement, February 29, 1984. He met Grace while working at Coca Cola, marrying her on March 1, 1952. He said it was the best and smartest thing he ever did! Together they enjoyed extensive travel, experiencing the countries of Europe, Asia, N & S America & South Africa. They loved spending winters in Hawaii for 5 months every year from 1984-2002.

While not having children of their own, he and Grace enjoyed sharing their adventures by sending postcards from exotic places, remembering birthdays and always showing a genuine interest in his nephews Peter, Christopher, David, Stephen Marsh and nieces Diana (and Sampson family) Jennifer Mardock (Rob). He will be remembered for his incredible warmth, respect and love for family and friends. Eric generously gave to those in need and was blessed with many friends and neighbors who cared for him and Grace in their later years. Eric will be fondly missed by dear friends Heather Johnson & Kevin Pluim and Chris Simon & Bernie Arruda. Eric was always very appreciative of the kindness and care he received from all who touched his life. Special thanks to the staff at Leaside Retirement who for 9 years gave him kind and generous attention and who genuinely cared for Eric and will miss him.

Family and friends will be received at The Giffen-Mack Funeral Home and Cremation Centre 2570 Danforth Avenue (at Main subway) on Saturday March 29, 2014 from 2pm followed by a Celebration of Eric’s life at 3:30pm.