John remembered as a community legend
John Marsh has been remembered as a community legend in the Garfield and Bunyip district.
John, 85, died at home surrounded by his family on March 21. A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on March 28.
John was a tireless community worker, a gentle quietly spoken, kind and considerate man. A local legend.
I first met John when I started work at Hillview Bunyip Aged Care, in 2004. He seemed to be always there in his overalls, working, so much so that I thought he was a permanent employee. Such was his dedication to the community, that he generously gave much of his time, labour and knowledge.
John was born on April 27, 1937, to Frances and Violet Marsh (nee Malcolm). He was a dearly loved husband of Nellie for 61 years and father and father-in-law of Sharyn and Barry, Anthony and Donna, Vanessa, Matthew and Marilyn. He had 10 grandchildren - Brianna, Madeleine, Alexandra, Meggan, Isabel, Aaron, Taylah, Sean, Emma and Katie Rae.
John was a stalwart of the local community and fittingly the flag in Garfield Main St was at half-mast in his honour after he died.
Some of his many achievements include 17 years on the Garfield Primary School Council, 20 years with Garfield Scouts as a Queen Scout (achieved in 1956) and leader, 44 years on the Bunyip Shelley Memorial Hospital board, then Community Centre and now Hillview Bunyip Aged Care, culminating with the John Marsh Wing named in his honour. He was mowing lawns there up until only a few weeks ago.
He served 30 years on the Bunyip Medical Centre Committee until it was sold to Dr Georgy and 35 years with the Gippsland Historical Automobile club (GHAC) Westenders, including 15 years as secretary.
John contributed 65 years service to the Masonic Lodge, firstly Bunyip then at Forest Lodge Warragul.
John was named Citizen of the Year in 1990 for the then Pakenham Shire and was awarded a Cardinia Shire Council Australia Day achievement award in 2009.
Owner of FJB Marsh & Son Plumbing in Garfield, John first worked with his dad from 1954 before taking over the business after Frank’s death in 1970, until his retirement in 1999. The business is still in the family, coming up to 100 years next year. John’s sons continue working in the business, with Anthony running it.