John Marshall died on December 29th. It seems unbelievable that someone so central to the lives of so many should be so suddenly snatched away. Personally, in so many ways, he was my compass. John was the best of humanity, the greatest friend and the strongest ally. He lit up our lives and inspired us.
It is all too soon to find words but let me try. John is an example of what is best in all of us because he encourages the best out of us. He is positive, encouraging, trusting, and loyal. I am grateful that I told him how much he was valued, even though he humbly refused to believe it.
‘What he undertook to do he brought to pass’
John fulfilled many things he wanted to achieve but his death feels senseless because, clearly, he had more to give and more he wanted to accomplish. He was a visionary, a dreamer with big ideas. He included us in his dreams and supported us in ours. So his absence feels unreal, I can’t think of him in the past tense because he’s staying within us, I believe he always will. Losing John is a sharp reminder of our fragility and how our life, and the lives of those around us urgently matter. By example John demonstrated how moments are precious and that we should attend to each other; would that I could do that half as well. Dear, dear John, I love you so much.
What they undertook to do
They brought to pass
All things hang like a drop of dew
Upon a blade of grass
WB Yeats
Today l shared personnal feelings, l felt love and compassion. Today l was amongst many people who cried, sang and mourned. I was part of a Goodbye to a Gentle man. Thankyou.
Dear John, once met never forgotton. He was like a magnet for all that is good in the world, his character touched so many through Claque and we are all enriched by having known him. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.
I only had the opportunity to work with John a few times. Upon meeting him and working with him I felt he was one of the nicest people I have had the opportunity to work with. His Humour, gentleness and humility offered comfort to others . He knew how to put people at their ease. I am grateful to him. With Love especially to his family.
John just lit up the room whenever he entered it. We will miss him so much.
One of the themes of the Vanishing Elephant, dealing with the sudden loss of our beloved young men, has visited us. John was someone who exemplified community and who brought light and soul to all he undertook.
You meet someone who you have admiration for… they stick in your mind after meeting them once or twice … you look forward to getting to know them, to learn about them & what makes them so oozingly fascinating? Then as quick as came into your life they are gone … sadly through their life ending. Life plays a cruel deal and is fragile at the best of happy times, cherish every moment of it. ~ Twas a pleasure to of met you John Marshall albeit briefly.
John was such an amazing man, such a tragedy for his life to have been cut so short. I always remember him with a big smile on his face, and I always will.
Yes, this is what John means to us. Our lives will be the poorer for having lost him, but they are so much the richer for having shared them with him.
We are absolutely stunned by John’s departure. We have just sat and waded through all of the photos of The Vanishing Elephant and reminisced the Mela Festival and Christmas concert. How can someone who lights up a room with the broadest of smiles, the wittiest humour and shear abundance of talent be taken so randomly? Our thoughts are with all of you who knew and loved John as you struggle to come to terms with this sad news.
Beautifully put. A lovely and apt expression of what John means to us all. Thank you.