March 7, 1925 – February 5, 2018
Wright , L. Marshall – It is with great sadness that the family of Marshall announces his death in his 93rd year, on Monday, February 5, 2018, in Dundas, Ontario. He is predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 70 years, Audrey (nee Headley) and by his precious granddaughter, Leah MacAdam. He is the deeply cherished father of Sandy DeVoe (Phil), Jan Burke-Gaffney (Mike), Wendy-Marsha MacAdam (David) and Jennifer Wright. Adored Grandfather to Wendy, P.J., Marshall (Erin), Joe, Andrew, Jesse, Emily and Hayley. Adoring Great-Grandfather to Gavin, Alex, Connor, Ali and Wolf. Born in Ottawa in 1925, he is predeceased by his parents Margaret (Trodden) and Leithwold Wright, his brother and sister-in-law Garn and Eileen (Dunn) Wright, brother-in-law, Ron Armstrong and survived by his sister, Lois Armstrong and many nieces and nephews. At age 17, Marshall became a sergeant pilot flying Tiger Moths but was too young to see action. He married his high school sweetheart, a love story that never ended, and graduated Queen’s University. He entered a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces that included postings around the world and service in Korea in 1952-53 with his regiment Lord Strathcona’s Horse. He went on to command two helicopter squadrons, 403, Gagetown, New Brunswick, and 444 in Lahr, Germany. He lectured at the Canadian Staff College in Toronto and piloted Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau before retirement as a Lt. Colonel. He and Audrey fulfilled a dream to retire in the British Virgin Islands where they spent 17 years sailing, swimming and scuba diving. They returned to Canada in their 70’s to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Marshall will be missed for his fantastic sense of humour, his adventurous spirit and his loving heart. Special gratitude to the staff at Wentworth Lodge whose tender concern for Marshall’s comfort was greatly valued by his family. Cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held. Donations to the Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated by Marshall and his family.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
John Gillespie Magee
Jennifer,
I have fond memories of your Mum and Dad from our posting to Lahr. Charlie (my husband) was commander 4CMBG when your Dad had 444 Squadron. He took me for my first helicopter ride. I was pretty apprehensive and he put me at ease with his great sense of humour. It’s an experience I remember fondly to this day. Onr of the highlights was swooping down to read a road sign (after I asked where we were). All the while your Dad had a big grin on his face..
Your Mum and Dad were a wonderful couple. I always enjoyed spending time with them at the many social events that took place in Lahr.
Please accept my sincere condolences
Heading 270, cleared for take-off, unrestricted climb. Safe journey Marsh………
Joe Oakley
403 Sqn
Jan and Mike, it’s been many years but I do want to send my condolences to you after seeing your dad’s obit in The Citizen. Audrey and Marsh were contemporaries and friends of my parents and I remember them well. Take care, parent’s parting from us is not easy.
Wendy
wE HAD A LOT OF GOOD TIMES TOGETHER. FONDLY REMEMBERED BY LANNY AND BARB HARBORD
With fond memories of a wonderful Squadron Commander, role model and family man.
My sincere condolences to family and friends.
My condolences on the passing of Col. Wright. He and my father, Jack Price, worked together in Soest, Germany. I remember my father speaking often of Marsh Wright. One New Years Day my father returned from the Mess levies with a sore back after he and then Captain Wright came together in a game of cabbage football. I remember Sandra and Janet from Soest Senior DND School. Best wishes to your family.
My heart is sad today hearing of Uncle Marshals passing. He was such a character and always had a joke and smile on his face. He will greatly be missed.
Heartfelt condolences to Marshall’s family… I tried to connect again about 25 years ago when I was working with one of his former military colleagues.
So sorry to learn as well about the loss of Audrey…
Kindest regards to Sandy, Jan, Wendy and Jenn.
I would love to hear from any family member.
Allan (Lanny) Jacques
Former neighbour in Crystal Beach.
Email: ajacques@telus.net