RIP: David "Opa" Marshal

[rcbarend]

It is with great sadness to inform you, that David Marshal (a.k.a. as "Opa") has passed away, after a heart attack last Thursday.
His daughter Mary informed me of this, in reply to an Email I sent to David a few days ago.

I'm sure many of you will be as shocked as I am.
As you know probably know, David was a very knowledgeable and extremely helpfull member in the flightsim community.

My deepest sympathy to David's family, and I wish them much strength in dealing with their awfull loss.

"Opa", RIP.
You will be missed by many.



Best regards,

Rob Barendregt

[Kapitan]

Im shocked! I was wondering where he was since he used to help topics everyday.
He was such an enthusiast with the hobby, and with huge patience. He was the perfect teacher and the new simmers in the forum will find the learning process now a bit hard without him.
May he be in peace and joy.
K

[tvieno]

Wow. Such sad news. He was a great fount of information and will be sorely missed.

[fxsttcb]

OMG, that is terrible news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Here's one more THANK YOU David, for all the assistance and kindness you have shown our little community.

Godspeed.

Don

[ViperPilot2]

It was a total shock reading about Opa's passing. He was a kind, friendly gentleman who always answered a post or a PM with courtesy and honesty. He was a respected member
of the Flight Sim community for years and in my mind was one of the big pioneers in making Flight Sim more enjoyable and easier to run for ALL OF US.

As many below have said; he will be sorely missed.

Alan

[p1990]

He helped me in this thread : http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?223666-.fx-files-in-the-effects-folder
just shocked to hear that he is no more.
R.I.P David.

[GermanPilot]

I think I speak for everyone if I say, that David was one of the biggest help in this forum.
May god bless you, David. Rest In Peace.

[Big777jet]

OH NO!! Opa! We are gotta huge miss him so much! He is very good expert with Flight simulator. I wanted to thanks to Opa for everything.


God Bless Opa. My condolences to his families and friends.

Stuart

[tommchowat]

Very sad. A helpful and active member of the community, his help was invaluable to me.

[controller5]

RIP `Opa`.

Condolences to your family.

Your contribution to the flightsim community must be the greatest of anyone.

Thanks for all your help.

Dave

[old_doggie]

A huge shock!

I remember him once explaining to another member why his name was "Opa", he said that it meant "Grandfather". Well he certainly was that and more as he shared his knowledge and experiences with all.

God speed my friend.

Douglas

[Screwbottle]

Likewise I iterate and carry the same condolences. I have also been recently contacted by his daughter, after being in contact with him during his holiday. This is a great loss.

RIP from your earthly world David, as you now fly the magnificent skies of the afterlife. Au Revoir for now.

Regards
Andrew Brown

[Ragtopjohnny]

R.I.P. for sure, David. You will be missed in these forums, you were a big help to everyone.

A shame when someone leaves our community, especially in this fashion :(.

John Thuot II
A+/Network+

[vaikan]

totally shocked at this new......:(
my condolence toward his family and friends.....as everyone have said it, he was one of the magnificent person in this community
he will be sorely missed....RIP 'Opa'
:(:(

[///PESSO]

I'm assuming he was from Germany..."Opa" means Grandpa in German.

I never met him or heard of him but my condolences to his family. Sad to hear that someone died

[Big777jet]

I'm assuming he was from Germany..."Opa" means Grandpa in German.

I never met him or heard of him but my condolences to his family. Sad to hear that someone died

OK, nope. He is from Plano, Texas in USA. I didn't know that German word called Opa as Grandpa. I know Opa called Grandpa before.

Stuart

[NonCon]

This is truly depressing news...I'm speechless really. He gave so much of his time to the flightsim community, my goodness he will be missed.

My heartfelt condolences to his family.

KJ

[fabs]

A helpful, wise, courteous, and patient sage.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
A true gentleman, you words of wisdom will be missed.
Rest in peace.
Fabs

[RickG]

Very sad news indeed. Truly one of the finer gents around when it came to helping someone out. He will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family, and friends. Rest well, David.

[kingnorris]

I don't have the words.........

He was extremely helpful to many, and never had a bad thing to say. Wow....just wow. :(

RIP Dave, you will be missed.

[socialgarbage]

So sad to hear this. Opa was truly one of the biggest hearts in this community, always willing to help any wayward simmer with a problem.

His "Tips & Tricks" series has been my go to resource for FS9 for years, and will always hold a special place in my library.

God speed Opa. :(

[cianpars]

What terrible news. He was involved in many discussions which I was also involved in and only a few months back was very helpful with some RW12 problems I was having.

David was so helpful and will be sadly mised by many on these forums as well as over at Avsim.

RIP David.

IAN

[azzaro]

I grieve with David's family and friends. I can't say I knew him, or had close dealings with him, but I read his advice to others, which often helped me with my own FS complications. As many have said, David was always kind and polite, even to those who may not have deserved it. I will miss his involvement.
— Bob

[lucio49]

I feel so terribely sad
Of course, I will miss his knowledge and his numerous helpful hints, but, much more than that, I will miss his huge kindness.
ADIEU, my friend.

All my sympathy to his family.

Luc

[abrussell]

My condolences to the family. Opa was a true gentleman and an invaluable source of knowledge to the community.
He will be missed.
Bruce

[btwilks]

It isn't often that someone's character comes across so clearly in a Forum as did Opa's. A class act and a true gentleman with unlimited consideration and kindness for the many, many that David helped over the years. This hobby/obsession of ours has lost a very dear, valuable (and valued) friend.

R.I.P. sir.

[Smutley]

R.I.P Opa.

A sad loss to the flightsim community. My thoughts and wishes are with his family at this sad time.

[bgets]

Indeed. A true gentleman and a wonderful help to many on these forum.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
God Speed David "OPA" :(
Bob G.

[b3burner]

Wow.... where to start?

David was a great help to me as I continue to work to understand this crazy biz we call flight-sim. I was very shocked when I received an email from his daughter late last night. I echo what others have said regarding his kindness, patience, and great knowledge. My condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who has been positively influenced by his contributions to the various flight simulation communities he was a part of.

David will most certainly be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met him (either in the virtual-internet world and/or the real one).

[Art_P]

Added to all the wisdom he shared about FS, I will now always know and remember what "Opa" means.

Art

[wolf2]

what can be said? i'm shocked too, and very sorry. i wish his loved ones strength and consolation.

[Irocx]

Ironically, I "met" Opa when he generously offered to assist me in using one of Rob's (the OP) freeware gifts to the community - how life twists and turns. If I recall, Rob was unavailable at the time, so Opa and I emailed back and forth and he wouldn't be settled until I not only had the addon running correctly, but that I also understood where I had gone wrong. He was always a great teacher; so patient, kind and thoughtful. Though we never met, you couldn't help but sense he was a true gentleman.

R.I.P Opa and my condolances and sympathies to his family, friends and fellow flight sim enthusiasts. :(

[alexczarn]

Very very sad news, he was a legend in the FS Community...RIP mate.

[annber]

Huge Loss, Monumental Loss for the simulator community and his family. He guided you with kindness and extreme knowledge, he helped erase your doubts with solid advice and an honest desire to help. What l know so far I owe in large part to David. I never met David, but I always knew I could count on him if I had a problem or question. Many of us exchanged emails with him, and always looked forward to them. Testimony to his huge humanity is the fact that although most of us never met him in person, there are so many of us deeply saddened by his passing.

My condolences to his family, and I am sure the flightsim community up there is now enjoying his company. Rest in peace David, I will always miss your signoff.

Hope that helps.....

[Jim Robinson]

Very saddening news, my most sincere condolences to David's family. This is a huge loss to the flightsim community and the world in general. Rest in peace my friend, I'm a richer man having known you.

Jim

[tigisfat]

Oddly enough, the website logged Opa as having viewed the website at 9:27 this morning. It's possible that he left a 'leave me logged in' box checked, but then someone would've had to have used his computer to visit this site. Does anyone know if he had family member that enjoyed this site as well?

[kingnorris]

Oddly enough, the website logged Opa as having viewed the website at 9:27 this morning. It's possible that he left a 'leave me logged in' box checked, but then someone would've had to have used his computer to visit this site. Does anyone know if he had family member that enjoyed this site as well?

Perhaps his daughter used it to get email addresses of members so she can notify them..

[ccb777]

I never met David or had any direct contact with him, but I did read his posts and his replys to other peoples posts. To me, he looked to be a perfect Gentlman, always willing to share his thoughts and help others.

David may hay past on, but he will always be rememberd by his family and here in this fourum.

Rest in peace "Opa".

Christopher C. Bell.

[ReggieF5421]

Found this on a local funeral home web site. David and I had talked on the phone several times but our schedules never worked out for us to get together. I will attend the service Thursday.


Memorial services for David Holmes Marshall will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2011, at 7pm at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Plano, Texas. Mr. Marshall passed away on August 4, 2011, at Wise Regional Health System in Decatur, TX.

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.

[alexczarn]

Found this on a local funeral home web site. David and I had talked on the phone several times but our schedules never worked out for us to get together. I will attend the service Thursday.

I would if I could.

[rcbarend]

Oddly enough, the website logged Opa as having viewed the website at 9:27 this morning. It's possible that he left a 'leave me logged in' box checked, but then someone would've had to have used his computer to visit this site. Does anyone know if he had family member that enjoyed this site as well?
Most probably his daughter Mary is using his PC.

Rob

PS:
Maybe it's good to empty your PM INBOX, since I couldn't send you a PM.

[rcbarend]

Found this on a local funeral home web site. David and I had talked on the phone several times but our schedules never worked out for us to get together. I will attend the service Thursday.
Thanks very much for posting this !!!
I hope the overwhelming response on the various forums gives his family some insight in how much David's appearance and help in the flightsim community was (and will be) appreciated.


Rob Barendregt
The Netherlands

[Irocx]

I stopped for a visit to Opa's profile at Avsim and noticed one of his last posts over there - thought it was a good read and really highlights Dave's spirit. Notice the dates of the posts.

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/229285-tallinn-scenery-help/page__p__2032339#entry2032339

[noell]

Such sad and shocking news.
His contibition to the flight sim community was substantial and will be greatly missed.
My condolences to his family and friends.


...Lloyd ("noell")

[kar54]

Whenever I was stumped and couldn't find the answer, "Opa" was there. God bless you sir and thank you for your contributions.

Tom Richey
AAL139
joinava.org

[degeus]

My deepest sympathy to the family and relatives of David. It is a great loss for the flightsimcommunity. Still only a couple of months ago we were in an intensive exchange of e-mails regarding parking-spots. Also his studies and reports were of great value to me.
May he rest in peace.
Piet de Geus

[standew]

Rest in peace "Opa", thanks for your countless contributions to the Flight Sim community and your wonderful sense of humor. You will truly be missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to your loving family.
Stan

[robinmaclaurin]

My deepest condolences to the family. David was always there for me when I couldn't figure something out. He was the soul of patience with even the stupidest questions, he will be sadley missed. Keep on flying David RIP. Robin

[vgbaron]

David will be missed. He was a class act, always helpful.

RIP Opa

Vic

[xxmikexx]

When we die, most of us will be remembered only by family, a few close friends and a few coworkers. In contrast David additionally will be remembered by the hundreds of simmers he helped directly, and by the thousands who learned much from reading his posts. An icon passes.

[918JC]

So long for now dear friend; and Blue Skies forever.


"Yeah, and losing them wouldn't be so hard to take
If heaven wasn't so far away."
Justin Moore

[pivek]

Requiem aeternam dona ei Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Requiescat in pace "OPA"
Amen

Carlos

[arclight]

I am absolutely shocked...David was a great guy and also a great help to alot of us in this hobby!! He is going to be missed. My condolences to his family!

TALLY HO David!!

[HoratioWondersocks]

I replied to this sad news earlier, but I must have failed to post it.

I said at the time 'I have tears in my eyes as I type this'
I still do as I retype my post.
Whoever says you can't form real friendships over the internet is wrong.

Andy

[rockinrobin]

Most probably his daughter Mary is using his PC.

Rob

PS:
Maybe it's good to empty your PM INBOX, since I couldn't send you a PM.

Perhaps it was "Opa" looking in on us from above to see who needed help...

[EdGeneer]

Thoughts and Prayers to his family... Sad to hear his passing.....
God Bless

[Foxtrot789]

Wow... my heart just sank.

May God bless him while he flies through the clouds - free of any computer limitations.

[Paxx]

David was such a valuable asset to this community, he will be missed by many. His knowledge and patience was truly genuine and he helped many flight simmers young and old. I had several pm chats with him over the years, each and every time I learned something new from his vast knowledge. Thank you David.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family and friends that grieve his passing.

[darrenvox]

he was defintely a very valuable asset to this community. he will be missed..not only by his family but by us as well

[skywatch]

This is very sad news indeed.

David has helped me a lot over the years, mostly on the newsgroups.

I hope he didn't suffer too much at the end and may he now RIP above the clouds.

It's a tragic loss to loose someone with his kindness, knowledge and warmth.

David will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Skywatch

[stevefsx]

my thoughts and prayers go out to david 's family and friends he will be terribly missed by all in flightsim community.

[bob2]

David was a great person. He was known for his great advise to people and being just a kind, friendly person. He will be remembered forever.
I regret not taking the time to know him better.

Rest in peace David.

Cooper

[razbdaz]

A sad day for all of us. "Opa" was a mentor to many of us with his wealth of Simm knowledge and continued display of patience.
His memory will live on in our community.
My condolences to his family.
Fred Baumann

[N928J]

I am absolutely in shock...David (Opa) was a great human being... and also a great help to me personally , in this hobby!! He shall be missed. My condolences to his family!!!!

TALLY HO David (Opa)!!

[flatbushmt]

I followed many of "Opa's" tips and advice, as I'm sure many in the sim community did also. My sincere condolences to his family and the many friends who knew him. He has 'slipped the surly bonds of earth' and may he ever enjoy fair winds.

[Anubis]

Sorry to read this...

I will miss David. He was always kind and helpful.

Paolo

[chainchomp2]

Here I was, logging onto Flightsim just like every day at home to check the new files, when I saw a familiar avatar on the bottom right.

And here I am. At first I couldn't believe what I was reading, as he was someone who often answered many of my questions when I was starting out and a lot of the time after that.

RIP, Opaplano, and condolences to his family!

[Dick101]

May you fly with the Angels David.

Thank you for all the help you gave this "new guy" in the last couple weeks.

Dick Dumas

[loonyton]

A plane what disappears behind the horizon is not gone, only we don't see him.
We remember him forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to David 's family and friends.

[donmel1]

From Don Mathisen Vusaf;

A sad day indeed. He will be missed but will be remembered by all he has done for us in the Flight Sim community.

[snowhater]

He will be sorely missed. I know of few others who did so much to advance our hobby out of his own free will and desire to help. Fly with the angels "Opa". My sincerest condolences to his family.

[buikor]

Reinhard Boeker from Germany

I'm really sad about David's passing away. His help and in particular his sceneries were spectacular, his knowledge unforgotten. I am v e r y sorry.......

[AZXpress Virtual Airways]

'Opa' Rest In Peace, you will be missed but never forgoten.

-SW

[rickret]

Blue Sky's forever David you will be missed.

[arcueil]

This is terrible news. Opa was the Obi-Wan Kenobi of the flight sim world... On one or two occasions we did not see eye-to-eye, but his advice was always welcome, here at FlightSim and via e-mail. He was a good man and will be missed greatly. I send my condolences to his family.

[marvic]

He was a true inspiration to the Sim community. He gave so much and asked for nothing, he just wanted us to enjoy his passion too. Rest in peace, Opa.

[chris34]

We have lost a major contributor in Flightsim, and in life. He gave much and asked for nothing in return. You will be missed, Opa :(

[loperzok]

that is really sad story,he help my very good whit problems.
rest in peace opa we will you never forgot in the fs community

[Leo112]

Take Care 'Opa', you will be missed...

[gary2]

Opa, I have always admired your patience in dealing with assisting folks requiring help with our somewhat complex hobby. Now you can soar with the angels however you will be sorely missed here on this space platform earth.
Thanks so much.
Gary

[jagabom]

Huge loss to the community.
Jim
CYWG

[HI711SP]

wow men, he always gave me good advices RIP David keep flying in heaven

[Raptor22]

We'll miss Opa, My sympathies to his family, He helped alot of people. And he lived
around my neck of the woods. You just never know one day he\she is there and
the next their not. RIP David.

:(

[jordan750]

OMG. very sad news.

[PAIN MAKER]

R.I.P we will miss you Opa

[alastairmonk]

The fact that the news of David's death has generated nine pages (and counting) gives some indication to how valuable he was to our community. My deepest condolences to his family.

Alastair

[davecurnock]

His helpfulness and advice will be sorely missed.
Condolences to his family and friends.

Blue Skies, Opa!

[spreilly]

I had the pleasure of working with David for the OV-10D Bronco for FSX. David and his contributions to the flightsim world will surely be missed. I would like to give my deepest condolences to Opa's family, and we all will truly miss him.

[Walouigi]

Very Sad news, we will miss him :(

[gandy]

This is very very sad news, you will be missed David :(

[peugeot309style]

I wish to echo the messages of condolences to Opa's family. Very sad.

He was a great fellow.

[gypsymoth]

Opa was going to answer an email I'd sent him when he got back from visiting his daughter, so it was great shock to get her message telling me of his death.
He gave me the most amazing amount of help getting to grips with flight sim & was always so happy to be able to help. He was just a great guy & it has been a priviledge to have communicated with him.
My deepest commiserations to his family.
Terry Wallis.

[kiddingme]

When I first joined, Opa was the first guy to talk to me in response to a question. He was a big help. I wish I could've talked more with him. It's very sad to lose a Flightsim member. RIP David "Opa" Marshal.

[airfrance]

Oh my gosh! This is so sudden! I logged onto flightsim.com and read this on the front page and had a double take. I've received more advice from David then anyone else on the forums. I'm shocked! Rest in peace David. You will be missed.

[n4gix]

David was not just a long time friend, he was also my mentor when I first entered the flightsim world some fifteen+ years ago.

Most especially he was my inspiration and role model for how to comport one's self in a kind, compassionate, and helpful manner. We could all honor David's memory by adopting his attitude and style.

His gentleness, humility and extensive knowledge elevated him in my eyes as one of the true "Flightsim Legends."

I will be offering a Novena of Masses in David's memory. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones remaining find some solace in knowing just how beloved their "Opa" was to thousands of folks from all over the world.

Requisiat En Pace

Bill+

[jcmmg]

RIP Opa

My condolences to his family and friends...

This is very shocking...

He was very valuable...

[navydad6116]

Condolences to his family and friends. I am sure he has his wings on right now. His helpfulness and advice will be sorely missed.
Dan

[Sandra007]

Oh my dear *Opa*.

This is a bad news for me.

He has helped me so often.

My deepest commiserations to his family.



Sandra

[Blades]

What a shock and Condolences to his Family...His valued input here will be missed

[Goatman24]

What more can be said that hasn't been said already.

Thank you Opa and best wishes to your family.

Mitch

[sundog]

RIP David and my condolences to the family. There's definitely a hole left in the flight simming community with his passing.

[Big777jet]

Hi members,

It is coincidence that when Opa just left his last post number was 5,757. There is a perfect aircraft type is Boeing 757. We will never forget his number 757.

Stuart

[loki]

Rest in peace Opa. You will be missed by many around the world.

[Antares]

High flight, Opa.

[medirov]

If this wold had more people like him, it would be a better place to be.

I am very sorry that we lost him and may got guide him on his way.

MEDIROV

[Clarindo]

What a shock to hear about the passing of such a wonderful, knowledgeable and patient teacher, always prompt to assist and respond to all inquiries whether from beginners or experts. Heartfelt condolences to his family who should be proud of someone so special and outstanding as Opa was.
Unnable to express what Opa meant to this worldwide community I can only quote the messages which have been posted so far in an attempt to describe this outstanding personality:
“ David was a very knowledgeable and extremely helpfull member in the flightsim community.”
“He was such an enthusiast with the hobby, and with huge patience. He was the perfect teacher”
“He was a great fount of information
“”THANK YOU David, for all the assistance and kindness you have shown our little community.”
“He was a kind, friendly gentleman who always answered a post or a PM with courtesy and honesty. one of the big pioneers in making Flight Sim more enjoyable and easier to run for ALL OF US.”
“David was one of the biggest help in this forum. “
“He is very good expert with Flight simulator”
“A helpful and active member of the community, his help was invaluable to me.”
“Your contribution to the flightsim community must be the greatest of anyone.”
“He shared his knowledge and experiences with all.”

“This is a great loss.”
“You were a big help to everyone. “
“He was one of the magnificent person in this community”
“He gave so much of his time to the flightsim community”
“A helpful, wise, courteous, and patient sage. A true gentleman, you words of wisdom will be missed.”
“Truly one of the finer gents around when it came to helping someone out”
“He was extremely helpful to many, and never had a bad thing to say.”

[acacapt]

Blue Skies and smooth landings Forever...

You will be sorely missed...

Michael

aka : ACA Capt

[asos]

David's passing is a great loss. He helped everyone, contributed some of the best files and posts and was a great gentleman. If only more were like him..,

We will all miss you, David.

My deepest sympathies to his family and friends and to all, who like me, feel this great loss.

Nick from Athens, Greece

[H_Kev55]

Opa..you are missed.

[Big777jet]

I just found in google.

Here is the link you may like to read about Dave Marshall memorial.

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary-print.aspx?n=David-Marshall&lc=4270&pid=153001843&mid=4769770

Stuart Gilbert

[boeing3191]

From what I've heard from my good friend, he was quite the helpful guy. He sure will be missed here in the FlightSim community. RIP David "Opa" Marshall

[nvramana]

Very sad. Cant imagine this forum without Opa.His advises were so valuable.Immense loss.

Ramana Nandyal

[fxsttcb]

Here is the link you may like to read about Dave Marshall memorial.

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary-print.aspx?n=David-Marshall&lc=4270&pid=153001843&mid=4769770
Thank You, Stuart. As we can all see from that memorium, Opa's wisdom, kindness and generosity, knew no bounds...Don

[puttaround]

My deepest condolences to David's family and friends. May he rest in peace.

[StringBean]

The very first addon I ever downloaded was Opa's Campground. Being a total noob at the time I could not get it installed. Opa promptly responded to my e-mail requesting help.

And so a friendship began.

Over the past 5+ years we have exchanged e-mails, PMs and conversed in this, and other, forums.

Each and every attempt on my part to help other simmers has been inspired by his kindness and generosity.

His humility and sense of humor allowed him to take a well-intentioned jab as easily as he dished them out.

On many occasions I have written responses to forum posts that might be considered mean or disrespectful that never got posted because before I hit the "post reply" button I thought "what would Opa do?"

I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Let his memory be a guide and inspiration to us all.

peace,
the Bean

[meltsner]

I've just now discovered this thread/news.

So sorry to hear, my condolences as well, he was one of the kindest and most helpful members....
Derrick

[kingnorris]

Twelve pages of replies and counting........a eulogy on an internet site, where most of us have never met the man in person.....

This is the measure of a man. His family should be proud...

[Alexander2012]

I always loved reading his posts and he was veryy helpful to everyone :) He will be greatly missed...

Rest in the wild blue yonder R.I.P.

Alex

[betelgeuse]

'Opa' helped me on several occasions. He was patient, kind, and immensely knowledgeable. He will be greatly missed.
I send my sincere condolences to his family.
May he rest in peace.
RIP.

[Lowbeam]

I am so sorry to read of David Marshal's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. David's legacy will live on in the flightsim community through the forums he participated in. He will be greatly missed.

Doug

[crezipp]

With great sadness I’ve taken notice of the passing of our Flightsim friend David “Opa”marshall. The first time I was in contact with him was a couple of years ago when David published his tips&tricks series of files and I gave him a suggestion about a handsome way of backingup files. He published it and that of course was great fun. Last year I asked David to allow me to translate and publish some of his articles in Dutch in my monthly magazine PilotenPost which I post every 3rd Saturday –sorry- on Avsim.com. David granted me permission to do so and I guess it was for the sheer fun of helping people getting started with Flightsimulator. Because that was something which one could read between the lines: Flightsimulator is fun and helping other people out adds to this fun. I will always remember David as one of the great names in the Flightsim community. And will always recall his frase about our hobby: “it’s not a hobby, it’s a bloody addiction!”. Thank you Opa, may you rest in peace. Joost Visser NL.

[cj75s]

What a loss to the flightsimmers community and also a greater loss to his family and personal friends.
He will be sorely missed.

[TrueNorth]

Sad news indeed. The Forum will seem a little empty without that guy helping others out. Now it will be up to everyone to step in & fill those shoes in his memory & help each other out.

RIP Opa...

Rich

[knswee]

RIP......you always gave help to others. God bless and condolences to the family.

[gypsymoth]

Dreadful news. He was one of very best persons I was priviledged to know.

[ChrisJones]

Rest in peace David; the community will miss you and your work will live on.

[whizard]

David Holmes Marshall, RIP

To David's family and friends, sincere condolences.

What an amazing and fulfilling life he lived.

Blue skies, friend.

[johnmac58]

He was very helpful to me on several occasions really knowledgeable.
A real shame but he is up there flying with the angels now.
Sincere regrets JohnMac

[raydumdo]

I have never met David but yet I feel he has been a dear friend for a long time,I will miss his help and advice.
God Bless David, you were one of the best.
Ray

[thies]

Not gone, just moved to a better place. Sadly missed with thanks Thies

[odaat]

I've been a lurker and participant in a few of the flightsim forums since the late 90's, and I've seen many a polite post from him. I've also downloaded quite a bit of his freeware. My condolences to his family. He will be missed by a great many people in this community

[ians]

This is so sad, he only recently contacted me re a vid problem I had. He had time for everyone and I dont think a lot of the people on here had his experience or patience to help as much as he did. I will miss his knowledge.

[antonbar]

Opa Marshall thanks for all comenttarries Good Bless and condolences at family

[Noshadez]

I worked with David OPA on several addons and really enjoyed him.. My sympathy to Davids family.. Ron Jeffers

[aircav1970]

It has been several months since I last visited the FS.com forums and I log in this morning to find this stickied to the Outer Marker and it just stunned me....I had to sit and think about it for an hour before I decided to say anything....like so many of the members here I knew David through this forum only but during the time I spent here I never saw an unkind word from this man toward anyone.If there is a "role model" that anyone needed to imitate it would have been David,he was a true gentleman and a great help to anyone who asked. My prayers to his family and they should all take pride in the way David treated everyone he came in contact with......

[Kdierken]

I am very sadden by the passing of David. He was an inspiration to all that he has helped thru the years. I was very new to the forum when he responded to one of my threads. He went into such detail it is amazing the knowledge that this man had. We will defiantly miss him and his experience that he gave us. My condolences goes out to his family. RIP David.

[fsblibli]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Rest in peace Opa. My condolences go to his family.

[sidstar]

Thank you, Opa. Farewell.

"Sid Star"

Amsterdam,
Netherlands

[snowdend]

Tail winds, Opa. Your insight and assistance will NEVER be forgotten within these hallowed halls of FlightSim.com. I truly appreciate your contributions towards the betterment of the Flight Sim experience. Thank you for all you've done, good friend.

[nicksnook]

One More Roll

We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the skies, and were gently caught by God's own hand to be with him on High.

To dwell among the soaring clouds they've known so well before. From victory roll to tail chase, at heaven's very door.

As we fly among them there, we're sure to head their plea. To take care my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me.

— Commander Jerry Coffee, Hanoi, 1968.


P.S. Thank's Opa for all your invaluable help.

[il88pp]

thanks opa, you'll be missed and not forgotten.
Dragy

[TransportSteve]

Unfortunately, for many of us, we never met him in real life, but, his infectious desire to help everyone within the community made him so exceptionally popular. I've conversed with David on several occassions, he's even pulled me up on the forums before with his superb, easy to understand advice and help, I'm just absolutely stunned at his passing.
Judging by the words of so many people on quite a few different forums showed that he frequented many Flight Simming platforms and offered tips and techniques as well as simple advice to so many within the community as a whole. An articulate and true gentleman he will be missed by everyone within our hobby who he helped from all around the world over the many years he was involved, young and old, noobs and veterans, there'll never be another like him.

My sincere condolences to his wife and family.

Cheerz. Transport Steve.

[andyjohnston]

Oh gosh.

I stumbled upon this quote from him, dated just last month.

For other "outrageous" aircraft, search for Andy Johnston in the library. Most if not all his fun aircraft are for FS2004 but perhaps they work in FSX also - just have to try them.

The man has a great sense of humor.


I wish I had seen it in time to thanks him. You will indeed be greatly missed.

[nicky9499]

With great sadness and shock I learn of David's passing. All I can say is a big thank you for the contributions, time and effort you have given us, and although I don't know you personally, your personality left a deep impression on me and I'll miss you very much.

Nicholas. :(

[bushp04]

David "OPA" - always helping, directing, teaching, guiding, sharing freely....always with interest, wisdom, and a great deal of patience. Patience. Who knew we would run out of time?
Well, at least they won't have to say about David: "There's a big hole where David used to be," because there's a legacy of David in his posts and writings that will continue to be a resource to flightsimmers.

Many thanks, friend,

Len

[rkl122]

I've been away from FS and this forum. What a shock on return to discover that Opa is gone. He was a model participant and a true gentleman. I always stopped to read and learn from his valuable posts.

In great sadness, my belated condolences to family, friends personal, and the broad community of friends virtual. Beyond the clouds, David, rest in peace.

Ron

[archerflyer]

As with some others, my FS participation ebbs and flows in wavelike fashion. Thus, I have been away from FS for a while and, of course, I am eagerly getting back into it. Consequently, I am revisiting my favorite FS sites and forums, such as this one, and I was so very saddened to just now learn of Opa's passing the past August.

Opa was a wonderful teacher, a wealth of knowledge and, quite simply, a true gentleman. While he may be gone now, his beautiful and unique spirit lives on in all those whom he inspired. I will miss him and I will miss his wise words; but the knowledge that he imparted, both to me and to others, and my remote (via the FSimming cyber-world) acquaintanceship with him make me a richer man indeed.

Rest in peace, Opa. My sincere, if belated, condolences and thoughts to his family and loved ones. He was one-of-a-kind and a special fellow for sure.

Rusty

[thindog]

Thanks for your time advice and for just being, we will meet again one day my friend.

[Swift_one]

RIP Mr. Marshall. you were always an inspiration to me through your articles, tips & tricks and responses in forums. you will be truly missed.

[chris34]

If there was every a man, who I didn't know personally, that taught me more than any other person I know or once knew, it was David. I didn't know him myself, but I loved him like a brother simply because of the wonderful words he gave to us both virtually and physically that will live on forever as a legacy to his existance. We love and miss you David, our condolances go out to your family and friends, and if there's anything, ANYTHING at ALL, that I know we'll do, it's the simple yet very heart-warming and pleaseing fact that we finally get to meet again someday in the gold-paved streets of heaven. Rest in peace, my friend, for I promise we will meet again one day.

Chris

[bwiafan09]

I think, if anybody is up for it, that there should be a tribute flight to him over Plano, Texas on vatsim in the missing man formation..

[andrewgrey715]

Dave helped me on many occasions through email. Sorry to hear about his loss. Sad, I'll miss the guy like I knew him.