Trevor ‘Marshall’ Alexander Marshall

Anyone who knew Trevor Alexander Marshall (aka Marshall Alexander) would not be surprised to hear that he passed away in his sleep on 4/20. Marshall rolled a “nat one” on his nap and never woke up – he should have really learned to set an alarm. It was his wry sense of humour you see and his “too soon” timing, a couple of the many things he was infamous for.

This gentle giant with an unbelievably enveloping hug that he gave generously, left behind the love of his life Alyssa Whelan. His parents Gloria (née Ross) and Alex Marshall are of course devastated that he left us so soon, as are his brothers Colin and Eian Marshall, as well as his sisters-in-law (who he always called sis and gave a great big hugs to) Amber Haskim, Paulina (née Furtado) and Lena Whelan. He was close to his uncle Chris Ross. His nieces Kaylea Fearnley (née Gaudet) and Penelope Haskim Marshall were treasures to him with the ability to instantly revive his spirits and brighten his day.

Marshall (he hated the name Trevor) had a number of health problems the last few years but survived them (up till now anyway) with the help of his family named above along with his cousins Josh Aitken & Maaike van Haastert, Luke & Miranda (née Reidhead-Lawlis) Aitken, Alison (née Hodsman) & Gavin Taylor, Sara Marshall & Chris Brown, Brian & Tammy (née Domalain) Marshall, Peter Hodsman, Robert Dunlop, Terry Jr. & Jessica (née Wiseman) Mielke and friends too numerous to list so you’ll have to come to the wake and meet some or all of them and listen to Marshall stories and raise a glass if you are so inclined.

When Marshall loved he loved big, with his beautiful, infectious smile he had a fierce loyalty to his many “packs” which included any creature big and small that came into his life. From fire belly toads to multiple rescue animals he had so much to give and wanted so much to make things better for those he came in contact with. He told so many people on a regular basis that he loved them often accompanied by a spirit lifting hug. He had a profound emotional capacity that he shared generously and for this we will forever be thankful for.

What else did he love – loud music (ask the neighbours), intense video gaming with people all over the world, a witty and irreverent humour (which got him kicked off of Facebook numerous times which, by the way he was quite proud of), D&D gaming with his long-time D&D pack. He loved dressing in his own fashion sense, shoes matching his ball cap and not a scuff to be seen. Numerous book series but the Malazan saga the most, and loved talking with you about the books he read and the thoughts he was moved by in them.

In case it’s not clear Marshall thought in packs, he believed that individuals could not thrive on their own, they needed a pack. Maybe a small pack, maybe a long distance pack, sometimes a growing pack other times receding. The world broke his tender heart every day and trampled on his sense of justice and his packs held him together and helped him pick up the pieces. He was a one-of-a-kind human being, honest to a fault and truly unique. If there is one thing he didn’t it was miiiiiind. He had a huge heart and welcoming presence, always inviting everyone into share his home. He was a genuinely caring friend and he will be deeply, deeply missed.

Marshall was infamous for his lack of patience, not holding back his opinion and a passion for telling it like it is – regardless of the personal cost. He always told you the truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. He was highly proficient at cursing and liked using four lettered words for verbs, nouns, adjectives and for punctuation. He often stood up to bullies and constantly worried about everyone’s safety. On the other hand, he was a consummate story teller and usually had his listeners laughing till their sides hurt.

So what would Marshall say to you reading this… I was born; had memorable stints at Lorne Ave PS and Parry Sound HS but I hated school and clashed with teachers starting in Grade 1, worked kitchens all over the city, found my lady and loved her devotedly; along the way I laughed, I made others laugh, I rebelled, I struggled, I loved and in a blink of an eye it was over. If you followed his FB page you know he would tell you now “hug the people you love more often and let them hug you, tell them you love them and look after your pack”. He left us way too soon and would have been worried about his “packs” right to the end.

The date for Marshall’s wake is on Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Molly Blooms, 700 Richmond Street, London – He’ll see you there