Dwayne Marshman

Remembered Heroes: The Story of Dwayne Marshman

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes—sometimes, they’re the ones we hold closest to our hearts. For me and my family, Dwayne Marshman is our hero. His life and values are gifts that continue to shape who we are today.

Dwayne grew up on a farm near Rockyford, about an hour northeast of Calgary. From an early age, he thrived in the farming lifestyle—open spaces, animals to care for, and the land to cultivate. Whether tending to a vegetable garden or harvesting hay and grain, he approached the land with reverence, always guided by the words of his grandfather: “We never really own the land—we just purchase the right to use it.” That sense of stewardship shaped Dwayne’s approach to farming and to life. He constantly sought ways to improve and innovate, a legacy he passed down to his family. We are proud to be a fifth-generation farming family, forever grateful for the path he paved.

Dwayne and I were high school sweethearts. We married at 18 and 20, and it’s been over 50 years since we moved into the house his grandparents built—a house I still call home. He was my knight in shining armour, a source of unwavering strength and support. Together, we raised three children—a daughter, a son, and another daughter—who grew up rooted in the Rockyford community, shaped by clubs and organizations that helped mold them into the beautiful people they are today. Our family has since grown to include two wonderful sons-in-law and two beautiful granddaughters who are deeply cherished.

Dwayne was a warm, intelligent, and generous man, known for his skillful negotiating and unwavering dedication. Beyond farming, he had a deep passion for coaching. His first love was hockey, and he began coaching our son’s team. In 1991, when our youngest daughter transitioned away from hockey, Dwayne embraced the opportunity to coach ringette—a sport that, at the time, didn’t even exist in Rockyford. But with his enthusiasm and leadership, he helped build a program that would grow into a lasting community tradition. His positive attitude and ability to bring out the best in his players left a lasting impact. Today, too, this love of sport lives on through his granddaughters who play & through his daughters, one who still plays, while the other coaches carrying forward the same values.

In early 2010, Dwayne—who was rarely sick—became unwell. That spring, he was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of cancer. Our lives changed forever. He underwent chemotherapy in the summer and a stem cell transplant in November. During his recovery, we spent a month in the hostel at Foothills Hospital, connecting with other patients and families facing similar journeys. Always thinking of others, Dwayne asked how he could give back to those with longer hospital stays, those who couldn’t easily connect with loved ones.

His ringette team, the Ringers, came to him with an idea: a fundraising tournament. And so, Ringers for a Reason was born. With the support of the community and the Lion’s Club, which hosted a supper, an incredible $50,000 was raised after 12 hours of ringette! The funds were donated to Unit 57 at the Foothills Cancer Centre, helping to purchase iPads for patients and care items for hostel residents. It was just one example of how Dwayne’s heart and leadership touched others.

In March 2011, Dwayne’s cancer returned. He faced it with immense courage, undergoing further treatment. Throughout it all, he inspired us—his family and community alike—by embracing every extra moment with gratitude, making memories we continue to cherish.

In August 2012, Dwayne passed away surrounded by his family. But as I’ve learned, time means nothing in the language of the heart. Whether mourning a loved one or a life that could have been, it is compassion that teaches us to hold space for the blessings of the present. Even 12 years later, Dwayne is in my thoughts every single day. I carry him with me as I celebrate the journey of our family, surrounded by their love. I find joy watching our granddaughters grow into strong, kind, and vibrant young women.

Losing someone you love is never easy. But you pick up the pieces. You move forward—not to forget, but to build on the love you shared, in honour of a precious gift that even death can’t take away. You laugh, you cry, you grow—and you realize that even if you could change history, you wouldn’t.

Thank you for your support,
Mary Marshman