W. Marshall Black

William Marshall Black of Kentville passed away peacefully on July 25, 2022 at the Valley Hospice. Born in Lawrence, Mass, USA on July 28, 1929; he was the only child of the late J. Reginald Black and M. Helen (Blanchard) Black. At the age of three months the family returned to Kentville where Marshall resided for the remainder of his life.

He graduated from Kings County Academy (On the Hill) and continued his education at the University of Kings College with a BA in 1951 and Dalhousie University Law School with a LLB in 1953. He was called to the Nova Scotia Bar later in 1953.

Marshall practised law with the law firm of Shaw, Waterbury and Black later Waterbury and Black in Kentville. He was appointed Judge of the Juvenile Court of Nova Scotia in 1961 - Chief Judge of the Family Court of Nova Scotia in 1984 and retired in July 1994. He served as interim Judge until May 2004. During his service with the Family Courts, membership on the bench went from 4 in 1961 to 18 in 1994. He always kept in mind the welfare of the children, young people and families.

On June 18, 1955, Marshall married Lena Marie Webster and they were blessed with three children, Natalie (Robert) Maybank, Riverview, NB; Bill (Dorothy), Centreville and Sheri Black (Wilfred Barker), Kentville. Becoming the proud grandfather of five granddaughters, Jennifer Maybank (Ottawa); Dr. Allison Maybank (Halifax); Kaitlyn Black, Jessica Black (both of Centreville) and Emily Black (Windsor). He is also survived by his stepbrother, Robert Bishop, (Ottawa) his wife, Bernadette and son, Ewan. Additional survivors are nephews, David Webster (Alberta); Ken (Janice) Webster, Kentville and Steven (Gigi) Webster, Ottawa.

Marshall was a member of St. John’s Anglican Church, Parish of Cornwallis and served as Warden. He was Past President of the Kentville Board of the VON and also delivered Meals on Wheels with Marie for several years. He served as Scout Master in Kentville and other positions provincially.

* He was honoured recently by the Grand Master of Masons of Nova Scotia for 70 years of service in the Masonic Order, joining University Lodge in Halifax in 1952 and affiliated and present member of Kentville Lodge No. 58 serving as Worshipful Master in 1964.

* Member of the Cornwallis Chapter No. 26 - High Priest in 1960 and Grand High Priest in 1967.

* Member of Adorinam Council, No. 10 in Wolfville. He was Most Puissant Grand Master, Eastern Jurisdiction of Canada 1978-79.

* Member of Mount Zion Preceptory No. 73, Knight Templar in Kentville. Supreme Grand Master of Canada 1994-1996.

* Joined the York Cross of Honour in 1967 and became a Life Member.

* Member of the Red Cross of Constantine Conclave No. 8, Halifax and founding member of The Rupert H. MacNeill Conclave No. 30, Middleton. He was Grand Sovereign in 1986.

* He was a 50-year member The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and a 33rd Degree Mason and an active Member of the Annapolis Valley Scottish Rite Club.

* Member of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar and a Past Grand Superintendent for Canada East.

* A past active member of the Order of DeMolay.

* He was a member of the York Rite Sovereign College and received the Order of the Purple Cross in 1993.

* An active Member of the Kentville Masonic Association.

* And last but not least he joined Marie as a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Evangeline Chapter No. 15 in Kentville serving as Worthy Patron.

Marshall and Marie enjoyed more than 60 years summering at the Black Shack at Hall’s Harbour. The family claims he could BBQ a mean prime rib rolled roast in any season of the year whether in Kentville or Hall’s Harbour.

The family would like to thank the following ladies who took excellent care of Dad over the last few years: Eleanor, Samantha, Wanda and Nancy. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation, by request. A combined Masonic and funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. A video webcast of the service will be available at that time. Due to on-going concerns with the Coronavirus, the family has requested that those attending the service please wear a mask. A private interment service will be held in the Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill, Kings County.

Family flowers only, by request. Donations in his memory can be made to the Valley Hospice for the wonderful compassionate care he received for the last two weeks. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. For on-line condolences, inquiries and to view the webcast, please visit www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.