11.07.2019
Tribute to Canon Robert Marsden by Archbishop Michael Jackson
We have learned with sadness of the death in recent days of The Reverend Canon Robert Marsden.
Canon Marsden was ordained in 1950 and served as deacon and priest in St James’ Parish in the Diocese of Dublin. Thereafter he and his wife Betty and their family Joy, Gerald and David lived in Killeevan Rectory while he was rector of Clones Parish in the Diocese of Clogher. He was also a canon of Clogher.
In retirement, he returned to Dublin to live in Sandymount and worshipped regularly in St John’s Church there.
He wore his distinctions and his immense courage lightly, having undertaken active service in Normandy in 1944 serving in Arnhem. His heroism and bravery and commitment to the freedom of others was recognised by his being awarded in January 2016 France’s highest honour, the Chevalier of the Legion d’Honneur, for his wartime contribution to the liberation of France.
In the diocese of Clogher, where I knew him all my life, he is remembered for his faithful pastoral service and for his instinctive commitment to community in all its local variety. He was faithful to God, faithful to the church and faithful to the people.
We thank God for him and express our sadness and our condolences to all members of his family at this time of bereavement and of the loss of a man both distinguished and unassuming. His watchword was service.
Funeral Service takes place on Saturday (July 13) at 11 am in St Matthew’s Church,
Irishtown, afterwards to Mount Jerome Crematorium. Family flowers only.
Donations, if desired to Mount Tabor Nursing Home.