A sad day for flightsim

[scottr5213]

From AVSIM: Sad News reported this morning in the Avsim Forum, "Opa" has passed away.
German for Grandpa, Opa was in his long association with Simulation a Grandpa to a great many with his helpful and patient assistance, He will be missed.

On Behalf of Avsim let me wish his family our deepest condolences.
C Jodry Managing Editor Avsim.com

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/342639-rip ... a-marshal/

[MIKE JG]

Sad indeed. He will be missed. Please visit the MAIW home page to see our tribute to David.

This is from his home town paper:

David "Opa" Marshall was born on March 12, 1935 to George and Bertha in Montreal, Canada. When he was four years old his family moved to the United States. He graduated from McMinnville High School in 1953 where he was very active in choir and musicals. There he met his high school sweetheart Patsy Mae Farwell and proposed to her at a high school bonfire. They were married on October 30, 1955 and they began their 55 year honeymoon. They were blessed with five children: Eric, Daryl, Mary, Amy, and Vicki.

He was a dedicated family man and always put his family first. He truely loved his wife and enjoyed spending time with her sharing memories that they created together. One of his most beloved treasures was his 14 grandchildren who gave him the name "Opa," the German name for Grandpa.

Music was a big part of Opa's life. He spent his career building and repairing pipe organs which took him all over the country. He also played the pipe organ in various churches and often served as choir director. One of his favorite hymns to play was "God of our Fathers". After he retired in 1996 he began working for the Plano Independent School District as a bus driver where he was affectionately known as "Super Dave." In addition to his regular school route, Opa was also the lead driver for the Plano Senior High School band. He loved his job with the schools very much and was quoted saying "if you can't have a little fun, it's not worth getting up in the morning."

Opa was a gifted woodworker. He spent countless hours in his garage building many pieces that will be passed down with great pride. Another one of his passions was working with Patsy and the Girl Scouts. Every activity that she was involved in, Opa was always by her side. He was a recognized volunteer with cookie sales and earned a life time membership. He was very proud of the "Outstanding Volunteer" pin he was awarded for his dedication to Girl Scouting.

Opa always knew how to lighten the mood and was a kid at heart. His smile was contagious and he had a love for life that could not be overlooked. Everyone who met him couldn't help but love him. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Opa was proceeded in death by his parents George and Bertha Marshall and his sister, Ponnie Wilmont. He is survived by his wife Patsy and his five children and their spouses; Eric and Debbie Marshall of The Colony TX, Daryl and Barbara Marshall of Lawton OK, Mary and Don Pilkington of Louisville CO, Amy Avalos of Cabot, AR, and Vicki and Scott Harlow of Peyton, CO.

Fourteen grandchildren and their families; Stephanie and Marvin Musgrove and children Avery and Kira of The Colony TX, Chris Marshall of Little Elm, TX, Jennifer and Jason of Norman, OK, Mande and Robert Whittington and children Jordyn and Alex of Lawton, OK, Sarah and Brian Schettler of Norman, OK, Sierra Pilkington and Dakota Pilkington of Louisville, CO, Robert and Danielle Plummer and children Victoria, Remington and Alexandra of Little Rock, AR, Christina Plummer of Cabot, AR, Wyatt and Catherine Plummer and children Trinitee and Castiel of Cabot, AR, Aaron Plummer of Cabot, AR, Tai Harlow, Rachel Harlow and Brody Harlow of Peyton, CO.

[JohnStinstrom]

It is indeed, David will be missed! I was exchanging emails with David a few days before and received this reply from his daughter Mary:

"Hi John-

I am David's daughter Mary.
It is with heavy heart to let you know that
daddy had a heart attack on the way home from
visiting me in Colorado. . . ."

I'm sure she would appreciate any thougts anyone might care to share with her at this time. Her email "marypilk@comcast.net"

[1st Shirt]

I think anyone who has been flightsimming (even for a short while), will miss Opa. He was a true gem and a great friend to the community; I don't think there were many forums where he could not be found. His assistance to anyone with a question or problem was always forthcoming, a true gentleman in every sense. I only wish I knew how to find the time in a day to do half the things he was involved in! Blue skies, Opa.

Hard to believe this hobby has advanced to the point we're losing some of the pioneers - where do the years go?

[james84]

RIP

[KevinJarvis]

A great loss to our hobby.
I still have many of his files that he generously provided to the community.