Dad was born on 20th January 1936 at Lockhart NSW. To Wally and Dad and mum moved to Wangaratta in 1977 to be closest Flora Marsh of . Dad’s father goes off to war for 3 years to more Ballroom dancing. They purchased a small farm southwest in around 1942. My grandmother told me that dad was a big help and they ran some sheep. Dad worked with his mate digging graves on the farm as a young man. He would cut wood as this was the fuel by hand in old Victorian cemeteries because the plots are too close for cooking, heating and hot water. Carting water to fill the copper If it together to allow machinery to excavate the grave. Dad’s quiet water heater. Helping his mother feed and bath his siblings. Dad and brother Noel would trap rabbits for protein meals. Dad was the nature was noticed by Bob Garlick the former owner of Mason can’t be eldest child followed by Noel, Colin, Dianne and Carol. Park Funerals. Bob employed dad to help, then quickly dad went to to learn an embalming course. Dad loved learning a Dad’s kindness and loyalty showed out when his beloved brother completely new skill and he had the nature to relate with people at Colin at of 40 was taken by cancer. Dad went to nurse Colin said in the this delicate time of grief in their lives. Dad said to me that “he had in their parents home to support his grief stricken parents. the privilege to be the last one to help someone”. Dad always had a good work ethic, never frighten to follow through positive, and get the job done. Dad was a Mr Fix It, he was very good with his hands. Learning, building and repairing all things from farm machinery, cars, Dad grew up on the family farm. Going to a local school some trucks, tractors, sheds and houses. He could learn and apply don’t let it 2 miles up a hill at the top of there farm. Dad and brother Noel walked to and from this school. After a couple of years dad and himself to a variety of skills. brother Noel would go to Boree Creek for primary school. This had Always giving to his community service organisations. As a young leave your dad getting up very early in the morning to attend to the farming man he was a keen member of the Victorian Young Farmers Club. horses. Then connecting another horse to a cart to leave home to go the 2 hours to school at 7.00am and return around 6.00pm. Dad Rural fire brigade member for over 30 years. Dad was the closest to lips. recalled this was particularly hard in winter cold and the darkness. the rural fire shed, so dad was first to get the fire truck out and go. High school dad moved in with his Grandmother in Others members would follow the red fire truck to the fire. some 50 miles away riding his push bike home on alternate weekends to help on the farm and on school holidays. He started Neighbourhood Watch and continued for 26 years Richard Marsh working with farmers and the Police to reduce rural crime. For this Around 1949 dad’s family moved to a farm at Invergorden near 1936 ~ 2020 Katamatite Victoria. Irrigation water had come to this region. Dad he was highly respected. and his family developed this farm into a irrigated dairy farm. He was Honoured for voluntary community service in 2001. This involved earthmoving the channels and drains. Dad and his On the committee of the Wangaratta Royal Show Society. And a father built the dairy from concrete floor and foundations. Then blood donor. the building, steel yards and fitting it out with latest milking technology. Dad was honoured with a life membership of the National Party in Mum was the second daughter of a neighbouring farmer. As dad 2005 because of his dedication and service. finished his schooling in , dad would dink mum home Every community that dad and mum lived in they are loved and from the bus stop when mum did not have her bike because she had been late in the morning to catch the bus. Always the gentleman. popular. This was because dad was very loyal, not judgemental and Then Dad married mum on the 25th January 1958. they would give of them selves to help others. In 1964 they sold up again and moved to an irrigation farm at A kind and generous husband to Marie a father to Alan, Raymond Deniliquin NSW. Then they again with their earthmoving skills and Cindy who would always listen, and a loving son and brother. developed this farm into a rice, wheat, pigs, sheep and cattle enterprise. People describe dad as beautiful man, a loyal person, a gentleman. A man of faith involved in his local churches dad was a man who Dad and mum were always keen ballroom dancers. They won had very Integrity, honesty, never judging and to always striving to many awards for their dancing. Mum says it was because dad was do the right thing. very precise with the correct steps, but dad humbly said it was because of Mum’s looks. They enjoyed this activity right up till they In summary, I believe it’s best to remember this; retired. Later they taught and conducted Deb Balls to pass on this “Don’t be sad I’ve gone, just be glad l was here” it was a great art. A note about a quirky thing dad did was, to ware his flannelette privilege to have had Richard in all our lives. pyjamas under his suit because in the winter night it was so cold. Travelling in a farm ute with no heating. God Bless you all. In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Richard’s family wish to thank their friends and family for all the love Richard Thomas Marsh and support in this difficult time as they say their farewells today. 20th January 1936 ~ 2nd September 2020 Mason Park Funerals