Marshall Albert Mandrusiak, born on September 4, 1942 to Elsie and Metro in the hamlet of Willingdon. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 12, 2025. 
    The second of four children, Marshall grew up on a farm near Two Hills, a place that instilled in him a lifelong love of the land and a knack for fixing anything and everything.  “Dirt floor poor” was a reality, which made him grow up strong and fast.  At the age of 14, he took his farming skills on the road and left home to join a thrashing crew.  His love for horses and strong work ethic allowed him a good life as a qualified hand on many farms. He later worked for CN Rail for many years, travelling the rails from Ontario and the Northwest Territories, through the forests of northern BC.  The stories of his travels always came up to anyone who stopped in at “Papa’s fixing shop, where toys and feelings are fixed for free.”  It was this career that eventually led him to the love of his life, Jan.

    Marshall and Jan settled near Tofield, eventually purchasing a beautiful acreage where they built their life together with a marriage that lasted 46 years.  His booming voice and infectious laughter could often be heard across the farm, as he shared stories, advice, and his seemingly endless supply of "tricks of the trade."  Whether it was a project car, a piece of farm equipment, or a collection of lawnmowers destined for revival, Marshall could fix it or save it- because eventually it would come in handy to someone.  He had a passion for auctions, the lively rhythms of Ukrainian polkas, a strong cup of black coffee, and the familiar comfort of a Players cigarette.

    The family grew with the arrival of Kristy (Dee Dee) in 1980, followed by Daniel in 1981.  Marshall embraced fatherhood, navigating the joys and challenges of raising two lively children, from oatmeal fights to runaway trucks.  The family was complete with the birth of Corey in 1987, who pulled him into a new world of hunting. 

    In 1981, Marshall's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own trucking business, his first truck arriving, fittingly, on Jan's birthday.  Life on the farm was a whirlwind of trucking, tending to a menagerie of animals, and raising a family.  As his children grew and moved on, Marshall and Jan welcomed a new chapter as grandparents, beginning with Conner.  Grandparenting brought a renewed joy to Marshall's retired life, filled with perfect grilled cheese sandwiches, soccer adventures, and the cultivation of an abundant garden.  Alexandra, Bradley, and Corben soon joined the family, adding to the delightful chaos of grandchildren.

    Marshall found solace with many dogs and inspiration in his garage, a haven where he could always search for a tractor to buy, a lawnmower to resurrect, or copper wire to…well, let's just say he had his own unique way of recycling.

    In his later years, friends and neighbours were a true blessing keeping his garage full of parts and his idle hands at work. Each one who stopped in to hear a story, share a smoke or help with a stubborn bolt gave Marshall a sense of purpose and joy. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resourcefulness, and love, along with a garage full of hammers and spark plugs enough, perhaps, to supply the entire neighborhood. 

    Marshall is survived by his wife, Janice, of 46 years, children Kristy (Dave), Daniel (Rebekah), Corey and grandchildren Conner, Alexandra, Bradley and Corben and mother in law Irma Charlton, sister Diane Woloshyn and brother Orest Mandrusiak and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Metro and Elsie Mandrusiak and his sister Angie McColman. 

    A celebration of Marshall’s life will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Tofield Legion Branch 91, 4909-52 ave. 

     In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Edmonton Stollery or STARS.