William Sargent "Bill" Marshall

WILLIAM “BILL” SARGENT MARSHALL
July 22, 1921 ˜ April 12, 2023

Bill Marshall peacefully entered his heavenly home on April 12, 2023 at 101+ years “young.” He died as he lived: with loved ones nearby, with gratitude for his life and friendships, and with readiness and resolution. His sharp mind and joyful spirit remained intact during his final days at his son’s home in Salem, OR, where he had resided for the past three years.
William Sargent Marshall was born in Seattle to William Matthew and Cora Nell Marshall, and was the youngest of four children. He was always energetic and hardworking. As a youth, he held several jobs to help his family through the Depression. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1938 and was the class secretary for the alumni newsletter until a few months ago. Bill entered Wilson’s Business College, and paid his tuition by working on the janitor force. In a year, he was made a full-time instructor. He was then hired by the Ford Motor Company, beginning his lifetime career in the automobile business.
World War II interrupted his work life. He was an Army Air Corp Fighter Pilot, logging 97 missions in P-47 Thunderbolts, flying out of Pisa, Italy. He became a Captain, received 5 Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart. Bill was instrumental in organizing reunions for his squadron for 17 years and stayed in touch with the men and their widows.
After the war, Bill returned to the Ford Motor Company as a Field Manager. His strong work ethic and winsome personality attracted the attention of George Grandy, the Ford franchise owner in Vancouver, and was invited to join their team. Fifteen years later, Bill became the sole owner, renaming the dealership Bill Marshall Ford. He valued his many loyal employees, treating them well and creating an environment of respect and care for them and their customers. He told his work force, “Don’t let the sun set on a complaint.” The dealership earned a reputation for honesty and outstanding customer service, as well as many civic contributions. Bill was named the state Dealer of the Year and was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the top new car dealers in the country. He served as President of the local car dealer’s organization and as President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association. Bill sold the dealership in 1978 and maintained his automobile interests by leasing and selling used cars, eventually retiring in 2005.
Bill met Barbara Ewing on a blind date in May of 1948. They married four months later and moved to Vancouver. Their union lasted 48 years until the family lost Barbara in 1996 to pulmonary fibrosis. Their children, Gregory, Marilyn, and Charles, were the main focus of their lives and and they supported them whole-heartedly in all of their endeavors.
In 1998, Bill married Dolores (Dee) Hill, a friend from his high school days. They enjoyed 22 years together. Dee passed away in April 2020. This second marriage brought Dee’s daughter Connie (Bill) Hill Swartz into his life, and they shared a special relationship which continued until his passing.
Bill deeply grieved the loss his son Greg in October 2020 to a debilitating brain disease. Bill’s legacy will continue to live on through his daughter Marilyn (Jeff) Vancil, his son Charlie (Nancy) Marshall, his daughter-in-law Nancy (Greg) Marshall, their families, and his extended family. He adored and was adored by his beloved grandchildren: Aaron, Brooke, Kristen, Emily, Jonathan, Kurtis, Ryan, Caitlin, John, and Scott, and his 19 precious great-grandchildren.
Bill delighted in children and couldn’t pass up a chance to chit chat with them or perform his famous handshake when he would jump up and down, tell the kids not to shake so hard, only to be asked to “do it again.” He entertained the young ones by having great fun in all kinds of ways. Bill’s love for children led him to be a classroom volunteer at Hough Elementary School where he was known as “Grandpa Bill.”
Bill, along with his wife Barbara, were pillars of good will and volunteer service in the Vancouver area. They were both honored, at separate times, as the “First Citizen of Clark County.” Bill gave leadership to many fundraising efforts and sponsored many youth activities. Bill also participated on many organizational Boards and served in numerous volunteer roles at the First Presbyterian Church where he was a member for over 70 years. One of his most satisfying accomplishments was heading up “Operation Quagmire,” a community-wide effort to re-sod Kiggins Bowl (then a mud flat) and to place lights on the baseball field.
The hallmark of Bill’s life was PEOPLE! His family was at the top of his list and he cared for each one of them personally. As the kids matured, he was a source of wisdom, support, and inspiration, and he marveled at who they had become.
Bill treasured countless friendships throughout his life and was masterful at staying in touch. He loved people with his kindness, generosity, humor, wisdom, and thoughtful service. He was not impressed with status and made friends with whomever crossed his path. Many people have told the family, “He was just a wonderful and remarkable man!”
Bill’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, April 29th, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St in Vancouver, and will be available on the church’s YouTube channel. To honor Bill’s love of children (and in lieu of flowers), please send contributions to the Hough Foundation, 205 E. 11th Street, Suite 200, Vancouver, WA 98660, or donate online. The family intends to purchase a lasting tribute which is yet to be determined.
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