John 'Jack' Douglas Marshall

On Tuesday, March 11, 2014, John "Jack" Douglas Marshall passed away at St. Pete's Hospital in Helena after a short illness.

Jack, 71 years old, was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

Jack was born on April 28, 1942, to Clarence and Kathryn Marshall in Glasgow. He was raised in Saco, graduating from Saco High School in 1961.

Jack married Ruda Haakensen on Sept. 14, 1963, and the couple lived in Malta and Havre before settling in Big Sandy in 1967. Jack and Ruda lived in Big Sandy until 2012, when they moved to Helena to be closer to their grandchildren. Jack commented often how he "thanked my lucky stars" that they were able to move to Helena to be closer to his family. Jack and Ruda recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family in Helena.

Jack was a kind and loving husband, father and friend who never passed on the opportunity to tell his family that he loved them or was proud of them. Hugs were plentiful and generously distributed to all. It was a rarity for Jack to travel somewhere without finding someone he knew. When this was the case, it was only a few minutes before he had made a new acquaintance. Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing, reading, and visiting "the ranch" on Frenchman Creek. Most of all he loved being together with all of his kids and grandkids. He would tell anyone who would listen how proud he was of them. He worked most of his life as a car salesman, but also put many miles in while delivering mail in the Bear Paws. He was a member of the Big Sandy Gun Club for a time and was active in the Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Jack was preceded in death by his father; his mother, and his brother. He is survived by his wife, Ruda; his daughter; Lori (Ken) Hoge of Harlowton; sons Todd (Shanell) Marshall and Scott (Jena) Marshall of Helena; grandchildren Jordan (Kelsey) Hoge of Billings, Sterling Hoge of Shawmut, Bryan Marshall and Lydia Marshall of Helena, Isaac Marshall and Isabella Marshall of Helena; great-grandchildren Brayden and Ryder Hoge of Billings.

Memorial services will take place in the Big Sandy High School Auditorium on Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department or Big Sandy Senior Center.

Special Thanks to Dr. Justin Thomas and the oncology nursing staff at St. Pete's for their kindness and assistance. Please visit http://www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jack.