karenneel
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Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 08:14
Unfortunately, our friend Marshall who has been battling colon cancer for over 3 years is losing his fight. Marshall's health is declining and he is unable to eat anymore and is very weak. He was given six months to live over five months ago. He currently has home hospice. There is really nothing any of us can do for him besides pray that his suffering will soon be over. Marshall's birthday is this Friday. If you wish to send him a birthday card or a card letting him know you are thinking of him, his address is:
4039-1 Northridge Way
Norcross GA 30093
He is really only seeing very limited visitors since he is so weak and tired but I know he will appreciate any cards he might get. Marshall knows he is loved by all of us but, needs all the love he can get at this difficult time.
Karen Cagle '73
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Juliedoe
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 08:36
Let's keep him on top! Of our forum and in our thoughts, prayers and in our hearts. Peace, Sweet restful paece and sunbeams on your shoulders Marshall.
Marshall Downing
4039-1 Northridge Way
Norcross GA 30093
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stp9765
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 11:58
YES this is very sad news.. yesterday Don & Cindi Train were in town and i had brunch with them,Marshall's wonderful daughters- Samantha and Stephanie,and my Aunt Sandra..Don & Cindi were in town to see Marshall.. they met with him saturday night and relayed to us that Marshall was not in the best of shape. this is sad because Marshall is such a nice guy. but I must say that I am proud that i got to met Marshall and also proud to be his cousin.
Stephen Pappas '83
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GailHullingsCobleigh
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 12:04
I've had a couple of good visits with Marshall in the last few weeks, but was very dismayed to see how fast his condition is worsening. I was thrilled to see him eat the banana and dried fruit I brought...he's really bringing out all my maternal instincts...
I visited last Wednesday after Karen sent out a note to close friends, forwarding an email from Marshall's sister Margaret. During the 1-1/2 hours I was there, the phone rang incessantly. It got to be kinda of funny...everytime we would get to the middle of a story, the phone would ring, it would be someone from Karen's email list, they said they were checking in, would find out I was there, and the conversation would end quickly. It got to the point that he was rolling his eyes everytime it rang and giving it a "Good grief!"... I said "We love you Marshall!" and he said, "I know, but the phone has been ringing off the hook...it was this way yesterday too." I just grinned, and didn't mention that email... 
I would like to say that I'm very glad to have had Marshall in my life. I am especially glad that he came back into my life after the Norris Lake reunion four years ago. He is the reason I have gotten back in touch with many of my old Shamrock friends, as well as making more. I have to wonder where I would be today without Marshall in my life...and who would have taught me how to drive? 
This is a tough time for all of Marshall's loved ones. It's hard to wish him gone, but I can only hope his passing is easy and soon. 
Through all of this one thing has become obvious -- he has great courage -- through all he has been through, he has remained the same man, an honest and true friend. 
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Daver
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 13:18
Let's keep Marshall on top!
I want to personally thank everybody for all the prayers, good thoughts and well wishing over the last 5 months. You know it means the world to Marshall. I am not at all surprised at how many people love him.
Please... lots of prayers. I don't know what else to say.
Dave
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Juliedoe
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 13:24
Up up and away....Marshall, we are lifting you up like the kids in this game 
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Kerley76
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 13:47
I never had the pleasure of knowing or meeting Marshall but from everything I have heard and read it is my loss.
If anyone talks with him I hope they will read this forum to him to let him know of all the prayers and thoughts being sent his way and how many friends he has; even the friends that have not had the pleasure of meeting him in person.
Marshall, you are in our prayers and thoughts. Know that you are loved by everyone - those whose lives you have touched and those you have not. You are a good friend to many and a true inspiration to everyone.
Sharon Kerley Fike
Class of 76
Sharon Kerley Fike
Class of 76 |
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GailHullingsCobleigh
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 18:26
One of the things Marshall and I talked about during our visit last week was the Reunion website, and how much fun it has been. He said he especially enjoyed it in the weeks before the Reunion in November, and through all of its momentum in the winter months afterwards. 
Marshall certainly made his mark in the archives...mostly under "Rock" and "Cars"...two of his favorite subjects! 
I'm sending out love and kisses to EVERYONE. Thanks for being here!
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jamiemw
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/18 20:08
I most definitely remember Marshall from SHS and from parties that we both attended. I am not sure if he actually remembers me. Especially since I didn't get home quite fast enough to get the opportunity to jump high in the air to say "HI" or hug his neck.
But, I am thankful that I was able to reconnect with him on this site and read his posts. They always made me smile  My prayers have been to lift him UP!
This world is a better place because of people just like Marshall, and I refuse to say good-bye, but, rather choose to say "God's Speed my Friend". I will be looking for you one day. I know we will meet again!
Thank you Sherry and Bob Griggs for making this site possible. Without it, alot of us wouldn't have had the opportunity to reconnect with and love old friends....................
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Pittypat
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/19 00:17
Marshall, You mean the world to me and all after, at this point you are a cancer survivor and a family of loving SHS pals I should have known better. You make me proud in my work with ACS is not in vain. I wish at this point I could help you out in any way. And I would ask that if anyone out there who would like to grt involved please do get involved in the fight to get rid of all cancer in our lives and our childrens lives. There are many ways to fight cancer and make changes. Unfortunately even hot dogs and processed meats are looming as a carcenogen, the things we love are under fire, so sad but education is what will save us. As one of the olypiads said DO YOUR BEST WORK TODAY BECAUSE IT (yesterday) can not be recaptured. Make today count! Marshall you count in my finest moments and all SHS grads. Ellen Eve
I swear someday Jack...I'm gonna put a picture of me here... |
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Juliedoe
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/19 07:16
GailHullingsCobleigh wrote:
I've had a couple of good visits with Marshall in the last few weeks, but was very dismayed to see how fast his condition is worsening. I was thrilled to see him eat the banana and dried fruit I brought...he's really bringing out all my maternal instincts...
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Bananas?! Dried Fruit?!? Man, Marshall--I am thinking I'd better go to Orbitz.com and get me a ticket south brother! You are in need of some "chocolate shake therapy" and all those gooey things that will "rot your teeth". Then, after I lull you into a sugar high, I will soundly beat you in a game of scrabble (or RISK if Jeff shirley and Brain Martin show up).
Seriously though--I can't think of better stuff than having good friends surround you and love you up good!! There can never be enough love-- and Marshall, you have cornered the market on it. Hugsandkisses! the Doe
p.s. Make Gail go out and get you a bag of those circus peanuts!
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stp9765
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/19 21:03
MARSHALL WE LOVE YOU!!!
BTTT
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laurie1
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/20 01:30
Marshall, You have walked the same Shamrock halls as all of us have. You are a part of us and our huge family. It's true that not all of us have known you but the ones that do are the lucky ones. We love you and hold you close.
Laurie Early (70)
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thalpin78
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/20 12:49
God bless.
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djshirley.1
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Re:Marshall Downing - 2008/08/20 21:45
Marshall,
I don't know if you're able to have access to this site any more..I hope so. I have never met you, but have gotten the chance to know a little piece of you through your posts here. We share a few things in common, of course..SHS and this site...Steven Pappas is a friend and we share our love of music.
It's difficult to make a post here...as we generally don't know what to say or how to comfort you or the ones that care for you. I'll just share a piece of music for you and any other music lovers that are thinking of you at this difficult time....and that Is To Listen to Motzart's Requiem.....The most beautiful piece of music I've ever heard.
I wish Comfort to you and your Loved ones.
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