Frank Bert Hamilton Harcourt Marshall

Reflections on Brother Frank by sister, Merle

Looking through the archives of my memory I first recognize a little boy, big brother, Frank Bert Hamilton Harcourt Marshall, referred to by siblings as Bert, Bertese or simply FBHH.

I see him attending school with Daddy, a teacher at St Bernard’s, before heading to Combermere at age ten and then to Harrison College.

I view Bert, Cousin Leo and myself climbing trees, catching lizards, pitching marbles and with other siblings, playing games of that day.

He and I, being two years apart, tagged together. I recognize us cooking breadfruit, yam and potato and making Ovaltine bakes which ran over the pan.

I helplessly witness a teenager, unjustly punished for misdeeds of others.

I behold a disciplined youth, – respectful and respectable; Sunday School member evolving into teacher; a youngster rising in the ranks of the Church Lads’ Brigade and serving at the altar of St Anne, under the keen mentorship of Canon Clarke.

I see a nineteen-year-old leaving home for the ministry.

I observe a kindred spirit interested in the welfare of others.

I notice a writer using me as a sounding board; a friend informing he was planning his own SURPRISE birthday party.

I feel the anguish of witnessing a vibrant soul reduced to frailty; then – gone.

This noble, humble man, a family man, whom we loved dearly and who loved us the same; the man – Frank, Bert, Bertese, FBHH will fondly live on in our memories.

Tribute by Parry Marshall Snr.

It was a Sunday in 2009 and Frank visited me after church. I was laid up in bed, recovering from major eye surgery.  Unable to do much for myself, I was feeling somewhat sad, to the point of tears. Frank asked me why I was crying. I told him that I felt useless, and that I was not a man to sit around and depend on others to carry my weight.

I always got up and did what I had to do. Frank gave me that look of his, as though, while looking at me, he was looking past me, looking into that reservoir of wisdom, and said, “Parry, God did not put us on this earth to be independent, but to be inter-dependent.” He very often had an alternative point of view that left you thinking. My son eulogized him in part, as being the wisest man he ever met. I had never given thought to that before, but since then, I have, and I am struggling to find someone that I know personally who is wiser.

PM

Tribute by Paul Marshall

The pain of losing a parent is incomprehensible. Especially a parent like my father, someone who has raised, nurtured, guided, mentored, and supported me all my life.

From the stories I have been told, dad was the first to hold me at birth.  I was a wonderful joy to him and mum…his first born. Born into a world of sin from a pure Christian seed!

Filled with a sense of pride and joy and wanting to capture every moment for memories, dad always held me while posing for family photos or had my baby sister play with me while capturing that spontaneous moment…(I hated being photographed).

Dad was very outgoing and sociable…one can only imagine from where I got that characteristic! He always encouraged me to have friends, many friends, but he had to meet them, get to know them, and their parents as well.  Many of my friends from childhood can certainly attest to this, as well as, the values he has instilled in them.

My dad was the Regimental Colonel of the Church Lads’ Brigade…and while growing up at St. Matthew and the Resurrection…I would watch, intrigued, as my dad would line the youngsters up and drill them. I would follow my dad and march onto the field, (left, right, left, right) much to the amusement of these lads, who were then scolded to get serious! Dad’s involvement in this role had such an impact on me,  that with his encouragement, I decided to join the Cub Scouts.

School days were wonderful days! Even if I was sick, I wanted to attend. Dad usually tried his best to deter me from this action…he knew I needed to stay at home and rest…he always knew best!

My sister and I spent many afternoons with Dad while mum was at work. He loved picking us up from school.  A tradition he carried on with my kids. He would spend quality time with them after school, doing homework and other fun educational activities. He did this up until the early stages of his illness.  

I remember on many occasions, driving home from school with dad and he would look at the vehicles’ registration numbers, add them, and be able to tell the factor or square root of those numbers, all within 5 seconds. Well for me, I was none the wiser as to whether he was correct or not.  But I am sure he was! He always had a love for numbers and the ability to make quick calculations. He would grocery shop and have in his head the precise amount of his bill by the time he reached the cashier.  He had a brilliant mind!

Dad always encouraged my sister and I to develop a love for God, strong faith, respect for people and property, love for family…with this, he led by example.

Family has always been very important to dad. This was exhibited with the many picnics he planned and executed.  He kept a firm hand on the preparation of dishes…never neglecting to make his patented macaroni pie, yam pie, as well as yam and salt fish pie!

In 2014, when Dad learnt of his serious health challenges, he summoned his entire family (including his siblings) to make us all aware. Being his ever selfless self, he wanted to make sure that all the males in the family were immediately tested…he did not want his fate to be the fate of any of the other males in the family. 

In life, we all face challenges! I, myself, have faced many. But I can surely say that I have done so with the moral support and guidance of my dad. It is on this premise that I showed my dad the care, love, honour, and support with which he showered me, when he needed it most.

Dad, with all my heart and being, I truly love, respect, and appreciate you for all you have ever given me, shown me, and empowered in me. You are my guiding light! I pray that I will be a shining example of you for your grandchildren whom you truly adored.  

Rest in Peace Dad and Rise in Glory!

Blessed Love