Marshall – a man of faith

By Kelly Yates
A SCHOOL community remembered the life of teacher John Marshall this week as it marked a year since his sudden death.
Mr Marshall, who was a technology teacher at Hillcrest Christian College, died after suffering a heart attack last year.
Teachers, students, staff and Mr Marshall’s family gathered on Monday for a memorial service at the Clyde North school.
Head of senior school Stewart Barclay said John, 64, was a man of faith and was well known for teaching not only his subject, but also teaching his students about life in general.
“A day in which we have not laughed is a day wasted,” was one of Mr Marshall’s favourite phrases.
Mr Barclay said the popular saying had been written on a brass plate and displayed on a memorial chair in the senior school.
“John had only taught at Hillcrest for a short while after returning to school teaching from teaching in a TAFE for years,” he said.
“He was very aware of getting it right and leaving a legacy for the students and in this way, interacted with the students in an amazing way.”
Mr Marshall taught woodwork, materials and design, and systems to the senior school students.
The teacher from Narre Warren had been at Hillcrest Christian College for 18 months.
Mr Barclay said one of the comments from a relative at the service was that “John would have loved the thought of someone sitting on his seat in the sun and having a chuckle.”
Former Hillcrest Christian College student Laura said Mr Marshall was not only a teacher to the students but also a friend.
“When he’d walk past you in the school yard, he would always stop to have a chat,” she said.
“He was extremely passionate about teaching and the students he taught.”