Welsford Allen Marshall

Peacefully at the family home on the shores of Lake Ontario after a courageous fight against cancer and heart disease with his loving wife at his side on Friday, December 5, 2008 at the age of 94. Wels Marshall of Ottawa, beloved husband of Dorothy (Mia) Marshall (nee Williams) for 66 years. Loving father of Jeffrey (Nancy Smith) of Niagara-on-the-lake, Jill (Andrew) of Toronto and Joni of Ottawa. Proud "Poppa" of Stephen, Emily, Patrick, Christopher, John, Tracy, Hanna, Lucas, Eva, Feryn, Ayela and proud great-grandfather of eight. Lovingly remembered by his brother and life business partner Clarence (Ken), his sister-in-law Betty, his sisters-in-law Dode and Muriel Williams, and survived by his many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Queen's as a Civil Engineer in 1937, Wels joined the family steel company Dominion Structural Steel, which had been founded by his father. He answered the call of his country and served in the RCEME Corps during W.W.I.I. until his honourable discharge at the rank of Major when he rejoined the family firm. Amongst his many structural engineering feats, were the constructions of lift span bridges over the St. Lawrence Seaway.

In 1961, Wels and his brother Ken founded Marshall Steel, which they led until their retirement. Wels had a passion for his profession and he led many groups whose purpose was to improve the environment for further generations. He loved golf and he taught his wife and children to play at the Dunany Golf Course. He was a life-long learner and mentor to many.

After his retirement at the age of 86, Wels taught himself to carve wooden sculptures and become computer literate thereby allowing him to surf the internet and remain in touch with his family and friends around the world. His most recent engineering accomplishment was the design and building of a wonderful home on Lake Ontario at Wellington. His final and happy days were spent watching the water, predicting the weather, and having his family around him. The Marshall family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Peter Johannsson and his caregiver Anna Baberstock.

Friends may call at the R. S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge St. at Goulding, south of Steeles), on Monday December 8, from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Funeral Service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 140 Brooke St., Thornhill, on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment Holy Trinity Anglican Churchyard at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Anglican Church Maintenance Fund.