Brad Marshall
February 24, 2025
MARSHALL, R. Bradley “Brad” – After a brave battle with cancer, Brad passed away peacefully at Louise Marshall Hospital on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 57.
Loving son of Doreen (née Short) and the late Robert Marshall. Dear brother of Cheryl Marshall and her husband Terry Caldwell. Survived by his niece Kaitlin Zolnai, niece-in-law Ekaterina Kostukevich, aunts Patricia Kocher and Dianne Marshall, great niece and nephew Quinn Zolnai and Lenny Zolnai, and cousins Kelly Marshall, Tammy Sotoadeh and Kim Wilson. Predeceased by his nephew Dustin Zolnai. Brad had many lifelong friends that he considered to be his second family.
Brad’s life and career revolved around music, he had a deep belief in the power of music to transform and heal the world. As a musician, sound engineer and producer, he possessed technical abilities that were legendary, yet it was his lifelong devotion to inspiring others that stood unmatched. He drew people close, teaching with patience, uplifting with care, and encouraging their growth. To Brad, mentoring was about building belief in others, sparking their confidence to dare and succeed. He believed our collective strength came from individual growth, and he set the stage for so many to thrive through his steady, generous guidance.
His absence is deeply felt by all who knew him. Yet Brad’s impact endures in the lives he touched, the careers he inspired, and the community he united.
Brad’s own inspirational words:
“When I’m loved unconditionally by others, I become fearless to life.”
“A world without music is a world without meaning.”
”We got time to think of the ones we love
While the miles roll away
But the only time that seems too short
Is the time that we get to play”
Jackson Brown, The Load Out
Cremation has taken place. If desired, donations may be made to the Grand River Hospital Foundation, Cancer Centre or the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
Condolences
We so enjoyed Brad as our neighbor. We always had to smile at whatever message he gave us.
Doreen and Cheryl to you and your families we send out condolences.
Our condolences Doreen, Cheryl and family. The good ones seem to leave us far too early. Find strength in the happy memories of him. The Glover family.
— Jeff Glover, March 12, 2025Doreen I am so sorry to hear about Brad. You guys were the best neighbours, even though Bob did have some really bad jokes. From the first day I met you at the College, you were always so friendly and kind. I sure do miss the fun time kibitzing and crazy chats across the front porches. I hope you are doing well and God bless your son Brad.
Steve
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news Cheryl. My condolences to you and family. 💕💕
— Marie Renton, March 9, 2025So sad to hear of Brad passing, I only met Brad a few times in our cancer group and enjoyed his company.
My deepest condolences to Brads family and friends, peace be with you and God bless you in heaven my friend.
Regards; Robert Duff
I met Brad when he joined DiverseCity ToastMasters Club in Kitchener several years ago, before Covid. I clearly recall the first night he showed up as the guest of Leo T. as he was larger than life in every sense!
When we walked out of the 2hr meeting that night, there was Brad’s 18-wheeler parked right in front of City Hall with the 4-ways on!!!
We always enjoyed having Brad as part of the club as his no-nonsense and innocent way about him was refreshing. We got to see his amazing progression over several years of improving his public speaking. As his confidence grew, so did the drawing power of his stories and speeches. Brad was very active and served the club well. In 2020-2021 he was voted in as Vice President of Public Relations. He had a natural aptitude for this work and did very well at publicizing the club on social media.
The DiverseCity ToastMasters club is now disbanded but we’ve heard messages pour in from the alumni members expressing their sadness and fondness for their former clubmate.
We remember you fondly and we shall miss you Brad.
A gentle man who cared.
— Pat Furlong, March 2, 2025Forever missed.
Brad was an absolute one of a kind individual, with a genuine heart of gold. Seeing his legacy from from the community is such a great reminder of his positivity, and the effects he had on so many people.
You will be missed, but never forgotten. See you "over there", Bradski.
I just had a random thought back in The Gig days Brad and I would have these meetings on events we were creating and firming up other promotor events or tech, then when we were done, without warning we both took turns randomly throwing up on the data projector at the theatre screen and through the PA episodes of Tails by the river with Hammy and GP , Rocky and Bullwinkle or The Three Stooges shorts with Curly Larry and Moe ..... buddy I already miss those random moments of illuminating brilliance and plan slapstick innocent humor.
You made me think, why not? you stretched me, you blessed me, you made me laugh/cry , and you always, still do make me smile at the mention of your name. Yup KW was, and now will never be the same Bradski beat , you always marched to the beat of a different drummer, love you!,,,, see you soon!- until then I'm gonna really miss you!
Somehow its just not as it seems.....
Alan
Pals 🎶👍🎶❤️
— Hillliard Walter, March 2, 2025Cheryl and family, so sorry for your loss. C Leighton
— Cheryl Leighton, March 2, 2025lonnie here, Brad up there! thanks fer everything brother! rest easy
— lonnie bigalow, March 2, 2025Grateful for having known you and had your friendship all these years.
Rest, Brad, you worked hard.
Love
Dan here... Brad not here.
It's not right. Brad was a positive force for good. A nice man and a very talented part of our community. Music was his life and his life was music. We will all miss our Bradski. It's not right.
Rock In Peace Brad
BRAD’S LEGACY
There he goes like a flash of light
Causing a ruckus as he ducks out of sight
Did you see where he went the question goes around
Center of attention personality so huge
Yet gone in a second without even a sound
Legacy is not about
The Fame the fortune who knows your name
Stories told , memories made
Lives forever changed
I met the man 2008
At Bobby O’s where the blues was great
Under his wing I found my crew
Behind the curtains on the stage
Blood ran thick Family was made
Legacy is not about
The fame the fortune who knows your name
Stories told memories made
Lives forever changed
2014 a new dream in his head
He came to me with visions of glory
Asked me to write a musical story
How to write a song was born
The crew was back
It didn’t run smoothly in typical Brad Fashion
In like a bull so full of passion
Legacy is not about
The fame the fortune who knows your name
Stories told memories made
Lives forever changed
I speak for myself but I’m sure you’ll agree
Without the Bradski where would we be
He gave me a chance, he lifted me up
Found a part of myself I didn’t know was there
Life with Brad is a circus you never know what is next
And when he gets an idea he finds a way
To gather the right people bring together a crew
Nonsense , shenanigans laughter and tears
We all have a Brad story to share through the years
But without the big man with a heart of gold
Our own stories would never be told
Legacy is not about
The fame the fortune who knows your name
Stories told memories made
When he walks into a room
Your life will never be the same
Written By Leanne Hohl
I was so sorry to hear of Brad's passing.
I've known Brad for so long I honestly don't remember how we met. He's just always been there.
Brad was a great friend. So inspirational. I will miss his silly messages he sent. His voice messages. His presence in my life as I'm sure so many will.
Will there be a celebration of life?
Words cannot fully express the depth of this loss. Those who knew him as I did will forever miss his kindness and love. His inspiration will continue to shine within us all. Thank you, Brad—you now walk among the stars.
— Rob Taylor, March 1, 2025I am so sad to hear this news. My deepest condolences Doreen and Cheryl. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy