John Robert Marshall

JOHN ROBERT MARSHALL
September 17, 1937 - October 30, 2023

...we will transmit this city not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us. - The Athenian Oath

John Marshall passed away on Oct. 30, 2023, capping a remarkable life filled with love of family, lasting friendships, and service to the Vancouver community. Whatever his role, John was "all in" for Vancouver and he channeled his boundless energy and civic pride into ambitious community enhancement projects that elevated Vancouver's identity and improved the lives of its residents.

After graduating from Vancouver High School, John attended Clark College where his mentor, Homer Foster, instilled in him a belief that any person with an education was wealthy beyond measure. He went on to graduate from Portland State University with a degree in History and Secondary Education before later earning his Masters in Education from Carnegie Mellon University.

John was an unapologetic champion of education and he made sure that every position he held or project he coordinated had an educational component. He started his career as an educator and tennis coach at Hudson's Bay High School. Later, John served as the Social Studies coordinator for the Vancouver School District. Following the publication of his book, A History of the Vancouver Public Schools in 1975, John was approached with a unique opportunity: To open and manage the city's first-ever public tennis center. An avid tennis player, he readily accepted and embraced the role with his trademark dedication and enthusiasm.

After establishing the new tennis center, John became the assistant city manager for the City of Vancouver - a role that enabled him to tap into his passions for government, history, and public and international relations. It was in this position that he discovered both what he and his city were capable of, organizing events and projects that others deemed impossible. He was instrumental in bringing the Nihonga Art Exhibit and Congressional Medal of Honor Convention to Vancouver. He also played a key role in Vancouver's recognition as an All-American City and was the driving force behind the Celebrate Freedom series of events, including the George C. Marshall Leadership Lecture and Awards and Veterans Day Parade. John recognized that the area's past was essential to a bright future and his crowning contribution was securing and preserving Officers Row and the Vancouver Barracks. For nearly a decade after his retirement, he stewarded this beautiful historic district as the director of The Historic Trust on a purely volunteer basis.

In 1999, John was presented with the First Citizen Award for "modeling exemplary citizenship through actions and service to the community."

John was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and Creston Marshall; his brother, Richard Marshall, and his loving wife of 43 years, Dona Marshall. He is survived by first wife, Anne; his four children, Kaisa (Doug), John (Lisa), Rob (Linda), and Steven (Erin); and his two stepchildren, Brent (Barb) and Kim. He had 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

John Marshall was a public servant in the truest sense. His legendary work ethic, network of friends, and love of his community left an indelible imprint on Vancouver and its families - both in the present and in the future. A memorial will be held later this month for his immediate family. A public event to celebrate his life and contributions to Vancouver will take place in spring of 2024. His family asks that community members interested in honoring his legacy contribute to the John and Dona Marshall Scholarship through the Clark College Foundation.

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