William Henry 'Bull' Marsh

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our father, William 'Bull' Marsh on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at home. He was born in New Waterford on January 21, 1922, son of the late Tom & Catherine (Andrews) Marsh. Rarely does a nickname fit so well, with its suggestion of strength, energy and courage. Bull was a tremendous athlete; he played baseball, hockey, basketball, rugby and gave nothing less than 110% each and every time. His baseball talent took him to Kentville. He was the hard hitting catcher with a great throwing arm for the Kentville Wildcats of the Central League. The summer of 1947 was the beginning of the importation of American born baseball players in Kentville. Legendary imports such as Soc Bobotas, Hal Burby, Johnnie Watterson, Emil Krupa, Bruce Blount and future major league hurler, Art Ceccarelli were in the Wildcats lineup. Eddie Gillis, Leo Fahey, Joe Cormier, Jimmy Morrison and Bill Marsh each a Cape Breton luminary, were among the other stars. Bill was part of the first Maritime Midget Basketball Team. He played defense for the 1946/47 New Waterford Strands Senior Hockey Team. The degree of excellence that was shown by these gifted individuals was mind blowing. They beat the Sydney Millionaires in the championship game after 93 minutes of overtime. This game was played on an outside rink. Bill played on numerous other teams. He was also a great coach; and coached at many levels, from little league, to senior baseball. Bill also was involved in umpiring in the Cape Breton League. Bill grew up in New Waterford and, after four years in the navy during World War Two, went to work in New Waterford's No. 12 Colliery, then transferred to No. 16, where he began his ascendancy in the United Mine Workers of America. In 1958 he was elected President of District 26. He held that position for 22 years. He then became head of the Coal Council of Canada. Bill also served on Advisory Board for Research and Development at Queen's University, UCCB Board of Governors, Board of the Atlantic Foundation for Occupational Health & Safety, National Parole Board and Ports Canada. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree from UCCB. He had an amazing talent as a speaker. Bull Marsh had a magical mouth powered by a vigorous mind. He could read the times and would roar into action. In his leisure time, you would find him fishing, hunting or training his labrador retrievers. His love for those dogs was second to none. He had the first ever field trial champion in Cape Breton. Bill is survived by his son, Bill (Anna) Marsh, his daughters, Valerie Lafitte, Brenda (Jack) Marsh, Ramona (James) Marsh, and Roberta (Dan) Head and his brother Karl Marsh. His grandchildren, Alanna (James) Marsh, Bill (Corina) Marsh, Samson Doyle, Vanessa (Tom) Pierson, Brandie McMullin, Rick (Angela) Haley, Ryan Haley, Tom (Terra) Pastuck, Tyler Pastuck, Chris (Jessie) Head, Gillian Head. His great-grandchildren, Connor & Auvney Marsh, Taylor & Avery Haley, Hayden, Brea & Kadience Pastuck and Carter McMullin and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his wife Sadie, his daughter Debbie Pastuck and son-in-law John LaFitte. Bill was also preceded by his sisters, Eileen McIssac, Stella Muise and his brother Jerry Marsh. Cremation has taken place. A visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, March 26 from 6 - 9 PM. A celebration of his life will be held at Parish of Saint Leonard on Friday, March 27 at 10 am with Fr. Joe Gillis officiating. A reception will follow after at Parish Hall, Convent St., New Waterford. Donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Palliative Care Association. A special thanks to his caregivers, Evelyn Guyea, Shelly, Chelsie & Kelly Jeremias. He loved you all very much. Thanks to City Homemakers, VON & Palliative Care for their help in his day-to-day needs. We really do appreciate every gesture of kindness that has been shown to him. Thank you just doesn't seem adequate for all the acts of kindness shown to our family! To listen the CBC Mainstreet blog on William 'Bull' Marsh, click on webcast under his photo.