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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MARSH, Donald James - With profound sadness his family announces the passing of Donald in hospital on May 30, 2024. Born in Halifax, NS on Sept 27, 1931 to his parents, the late Alfred Nicholas and Laura May (Lannon) Marsh, he grew up in Halifax and then Lambeth, Ontario during the War years of the 1940’s.
Coming from a long line of military family members, Donald joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1949 at the age of 17 in Esquimalt, B.C. and subsequently did three back to back tours of duty in the Korean War onboard HMC Ships Athabaskan, Haida, and Nootka. Beginning his Naval career a seamen then as an apprentice electrician, he relocated to Halifax for his home port division circa 1951 and found his niche after a branch transfer into the Communications branch as a Signalmen. Donald rose to the top of his trade as the Chief Yeoman of Signals and served on many classes of Canadian ships during his illustrious 36 year career (Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes and Minesweepers). Some of those included HMCS – Swansea, Crescent, Cap de la Madeleine, St. Laurent, New Liskeard, Gatineau, Mic Mac and Nipigon. He had prestigious draftings as the Chief Yeoman Squadron Staff with D1 and D5 and served in the same capacity on numerous NATO operations and Command staff postings. Dad went on to the Reserves for six years with the Canadian Navy as a Communication Instructor.
Donald met and married the love of his life the late Shirley Dowling of Halifax in the early 1950’s and together they had four children, Ronald (RIP), Dawn Jan (deceased), Darrell and Brenda. He is survived by seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Donald outlived all of his large family of siblings which included sisters - Mavis, Thelma, June and brothers – Ralph, Darrell, Douglas, Ronald and Bruce. Donald and his twin brother Ronald were especially close all their lives and were both proud Naval Sailors, as was his youngest brother Bruce. Donald was also especially close to his brother in law Charles Dowling.
The other loves of Donald’s life was his summer cottage on Cockscomb Lake in Mount Uniacke, N.S. and “The Camp”. His hunting and fishing camp on Gunn Lake in East River St. Mary’s, N.S. was his location of choice and where he held court and arguably had his greatest joys. He was an avid fisher, hunter and made several lifelong friends including Clyde Gunn, Bobby Jack, Richard Laffin, Danny Cunningham and David Hicks. Donald was also one to thrive in the order of good cheer and is the namesake and organizer for the now 19 year old annual summer festival at his camp in Black Brook called ‘Donstock’. A funeral will be held on Monday June 10th at 11 AM with a reception to follow in Atlantic Funeral Home Sackville Chapel, 125 Sackville Drive, Lr. Sackville. A special thank you to Cousin Stephen Marsh for his selflessness and caring for our father. (Atlantic Funeral Home)
Article on Ron and his twin brother Don both serving in HMCS St Laurent - Crowsnest Magazine Oct 1957 pg 12
Donald's brothers Ronald Marsh and Bruce Marsh also served in the RCN.
Ships served in: HMCS HAIDA -Served in HAIDA 1953-1954 HMCS SWANSEA - Served in SWANSEA in 1960 as a P2SG3 CANCOMDESRON ONE - Staff as Squadron Chief Yeoman CANCOMDESRON FIVE - Staff as Squadron Chief Yeoman
Brothers Donald, Ronald and Bruce Marsh
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