A quintessentially rural canal, the 33 mile long Grantham traverses three shire counties

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OBITUARY - Dr. John R. Marshall

It is with great sadness that the Grantham Canal Restoration Society have to announce the death of one of it’s great friends and stalwarts.

In his professional life John was firstly a scientist, and latterly the proprietor of two residential homes.

He joined the Canal Society in 1973, and threw himself into working for the restoration and regeneration of the Grantham Canal. He took on the task of Honorary Secretary for Grantham Canal Restoration Society, and upon the formation of the Grantham Canal Trust Limited in 1977 became it’s Honorary Secretary, fulfilling both posts with great professionalism and enthusiasm.

John spent a huge amount of his spare time in this voluntary capacity, and undertook many talks with slides throughout the East Midlands Region, raising considerable support and funds for his favourite canal.

His most major feat was probably in persuading (the then) British Railways Board, after two years of hard negotiation, to allow the unconditional removal of the mineral railway embankment which was totally obstructing the canal at Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir above Willis’s Lock. This proved to be the key to the restoration of 4 ½ miles of canal up to the A1 at Grantham, and the raising of the first county road bridge to navigation height by the County and District Authorities at Casthorpe, Lincolnshire.

John, eventually, was forced to retire from his activities due to ill health. He passed away on Wednesday 5th July 2006 after a long illness, aged 82. He will be sorely missed by his friends, both in and out of the waterway restoration movement.

John leaves his wife Sylvia, son Stephen, daughters Louise and Anna, son-in-law Richard and grandson Kieran. We extend our deepest sympathy in your loss.

The funeral took place on Friday 14th July at St Mary’s Church, Attenborough at 2.00pm

Farewell and thank you John

Chris Tizzard, Chairman The Grantham Canal; Restoration Society Ltd