Advocate for justice mourned
TRIBUTES have been paid to a “kind and supportive” former lord mayor of Newcastle.
John Marshall, a long-serving former Labour councillor who rose to become the city’s first citizen in 2002, died last Saturday at the age of 86.
The former teacher was born and grew up in the East End and later lived in Fenham, representing the Newburn and Wingrove wards during his time on the city council.
His daughter, Yvonne Wancke, described him as “the most optimistic person I know” and “a man of principle”.
Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah called him “a lifelong advocate of peace and justice for all, actively supporting asylum seekers in Newcastle and equalities across the world”, while his work in helping the city achieve Fairtrade status in 2003 was also praised.
City council leader Nick Forbes said: “John was a kind and supportive local councillor and a stalwart of the Labour family. He served as lord mayor of Newcastle in 2002 and played a major part in Newcastle becoming a Fairtrade City. He spoke up for those in need and continued his work in CAFOD, the Catholic international development charity, for many years after retiring as a councillor in 2004.
“His work on behalf of those in need including asylum seekers and those unable to feed their families was hugely appreciated by those in the West End.”
John, who left school at 15 without any qualifications, completed his National Service in the RAF and worked as a draughtsman before attending evening classes to train as a teacher.
He taught maths, woodwork and metalwork and also became a housemaster during a career at John Marley School in Newcastle and St John’s and St Edmund Campion in Gateshead.
Alongside wife Audrey, he also started a youth club at English Martyrs’ Church in Fenham.
He is survived by his wife, children Yvonne, Anne, and Chris, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Yvonne said: “One of the things that always impressed me about my dad was that he always stayed true to his beliefs and principles as part of the Labour Movement.
“He has been a real credit to the Labour Party and will be hugely missed.”
His funeral will be held at 11.45am at St Bede’s RC Church in Whickham View on December 23, followed by a service at the West Road Crematorium at 12.45pm and a reception at Benwell Hill Cricket Club afterwards.