Obituary of Douglas Allan Marshall
Douglas Allan Marshall, devoted husband, dad, brother and son, avid coffee drinker, professional driver, and great storyteller, died March 27, 2025; two days after his 65th birthday.
Dad challenged, and was challenged by, the women in his life, JoAnne (wife), Rebecca & Melissa (daughters) and Faye (sister), but it was really all of us that kept him in line. Doug loved them all dearly. He met JoAnne – the love of his life – while they were both military reservists in 1979 and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Married almost 45 years ago, they had two daughters, who carry his particular personality traits – straight-laced, but with an amazing sense of humour.
Doug took great pride in his career as a truck driver and the friends he collected along the way. He took his responsibilities seriously, worked long hours and had high standards for perfection. Dad instilled all of these traits in his daughters, and we will carry those forward in our lives. He also loved to regale those around him with his crazy trucking stories. Dad truly lit up with joy holding court and entertaining those around him. His words and sayings already live on with those who loved him. His favourite sayings were, “Go-Way!”, “Very Best”, “Sum up” and “Wait Now”.
Doug embodied the true Nova Scotia spirit in that he would do anything for anyone that needed it. He was always there to lend a helping hand. At first blush, those who encountered Doug may have found him to be salty, maybe slightly curmudgeonly, but he was actually a soft-hearted man who cherished his family and friends.
Dad excelled at mowing lawns, playing the card game 99, and doing acrobatics in the pool. He had a life-long affair with breakfast foods. His favourite meal was breakfast for dinner, which JoAnne always delivered. Dad always claimed to not like sweets, but he notoriously always ate them; including pies, cakes, cookies as well as an entire box of chocolate Turtles that became an inside family joke for 30 years.
True to form, Dad wanted everything done on his own terms. Accordingly, there will be no service at this time. Instead, he will be cremated, and our family will hold a Celebration of Life and graveside service for those closest to him in the early summer. He is survived by his devoted wife JoAnne, daughters Rebecca (Bryden), Melissa (Kyle), his sister Faye (Sandy), brother John (Tamara) and father, John (Glady). He is also survived by many loving brothers-and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Marian.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Our heartfelt appreciation to the nursing staff there for their compassionate, professional and endearing care. They all exhibited true kindness to Dad during his final days. Our family is forever grateful for the quiet dignity and grace that you provided to Dad and to us. The palliative care nurses are truly angels on earth.
We never say “goodbye”, it is only “see you later.” They say that grief is love that has nowhere to go. We will love you and keep you in our hearts forever, Dad.