John E. Marshall

John E. Marshall

12/16/1926 – 12/07/2013

John Marshall passed away quietly at home, in his favorite chair, early Saturday morning, December 7. He kept his sense of humor and his ability to enjoy a hot toddy until the day he passed. He was the youngest of 7 children, born in North Dakota to Percival Edgar Willouby and Emma (Kramp) Marshall. Raised in Brainerd, Minnesota, he lived through both the Great Depression and the passing of his father when he was a young boy. John turned his tough upbringing into a strong work ethic and joined the U.S. Navy as soon as he could, to help the troops during WWII. Eventually, he traveled west to Bremerton, WA, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Frances Clark. They married, moved to Bellingham with Nancy’s 3 children, and soon added Steve and Jim to the family tree. John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nancy in 1988, son Nick Morgan, daughter Vickie Wooten, and great-granddaughter Abbigail Rodriguez. He is survived by sons Steve (Kaye) Marshall of Bellingham, WA, Jim (Elizabeth) Marshall of Keizer, OR, and son Howard (Sue) Morgan of Bellingham, WA; 13 grandchildren: Trisha Murray, Pam (Roger) Robinson, Nichole (Lionel) Guebara, Casey (Fawn) Morgan, Kara Morgan, Jennifer Rodriguez, Tyler Marshall, Stephanie (Cody) Miller, Ashley Marshall, Nick Marshall, Brian Marshall, Jordan Marshall, Hallie Marshall; 13 great-grandchildren, and his faithful Golden Lab, Duke and sister Suzanne (Darryl) Rathbun. He joined the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 40 in 1954 and retired in 1988. He passed his knowledge and talent to many members as a welding instructor and supervisor for the UA. He enjoyed his memories of hunting/fishing trips with lifelong friends, Harlan and Bud. John was a meticulous craftsman and used his skills during retirement to fabricate a variety of impressive and inventive projects. His life was enriched when he entered the world of computers – he was a lifelong learner and in addition to using the internet for research, news, and email; appreciated having things delivered to the door instead of going out shopping! The family would like to thank neighbors and friends for joining him at “Club John” on Friday nights or just anytime – his door was always open. A special thanks to Dr. Richard Binder and his staff for the above-and-beyond care, especially these last few months when he came in for his “chats”. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am Monday, December 16 (preceded by a viewing at 10:00), Squalicum Boathouse, 2600 Harbor Loop Bellingham, WA., reception to follow. Burial with military honors at 1:00, Bayview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Whatcom Humane Society or Whatcom Hospice