DAVID CRAIG MARNOCH

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DAVID CRAIG MARNOCH

With great sadness we are announcing the death of David Craig Marnoch, at the age of 72, surrounded by his three brothers, other family and friends at the Grace Hospital on Monday July 21. Dave succumbed to lung cancer after two months of battle at home, treatment at Cancer Care and a final week in hospital. In hospital he had many visits and we’re very grateful for all the kind attention.

Dave was born on October 10, 1952, in Winnipeg, to (Rev. Dr.) James D. and Irene Marnoch (nee Pitner), who are both deceased. He is survived by his three brothers James, Ian (Lorelee) and Neil (Chris) in Winnipeg, his nine nephews and nieces and numerous grand nephews and nieces, all, except one, who also live in and around Winnipeg. There are also many cousins and their families in Southwest Manitoba, Southern Ontario, Saskatchewan, BC and Whitehorse, NWT.

The Marnoch family always lived in North End Winnipeg except for a five year period from 1958 to ’63 spent in Kenora ON. He continued to be friends with many of his North End buddies, and how we all miss the North End Sals! Dave and his brothers also look back to the time in Kenora with great fondness even though we were young there.

He attended Luxton School in Winnipeg, then Evergreen and Pinecrest Schools in Kenora, and Champlain and St. Johns High Schools in Winnipeg. He went on to achieve a BFA and B.Ed at the University of Manitoba. He taught as a substitute in Winnipeg and then on staff in the community of Bearskin Lake in Northern Ontario.

After Bearskin he began his adventuresome life. The world was calling! He and a friend “roughed it” through England and Scotland. He came back for a bit but went again solo with his small “travel” accordion, busking from Amsterdam to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. He spent a good month playing for the pilgrims, and went on to Italy and Athens, Bangkok and then Tokyo always busking. In Japan he arranged to become a teacher of English in Korea, living in Seoul and finally in Jeonju on the faculty of the University there. He spent at least 15 years in Korea, the last six in the University. He also worked as a language consultant for journalists and academics writing in English. He came back to Winnipeg some time early in the 2000’s and stayed, but on the way home he busked through Europe again, through Balkans and up to Holland. Dave went “in country” a few more times in North America attempting to meet as many people as possible.

Hi first love was music. He played and arranged for guitar, bass, keyboards, mandolin, violin, ukelele and accordion. He taught informally and many, including family, have benefitted.

He was involved with numerous bands here and in Korea. In 1967 he and his brother Jim formed the Chicken Flats String band (aka Southern Stage) with Donn Zueff and John Paul Charowski, who have also passed on. He helped form The King Mixers, played in The Throbtones and finally was a regular at Big Dave McLean’s Sunday Blues Jam (another long-time friend). There were other outings along the way of course and for the last five years at least he was proud to be a member of the historic Winnipeg Mandolin Orchestra (ult-wpg.ca).

Dave will be greatly missed, but with gratitude. He left a legacy in the family, and we know it reaches far beyond. Many friends have already been in contact. If you choose to leave a condolence here, please feel free to share your own stories.

So off to the next adventure Dave!

Our thanks to all the staff at Cancer Care Manitoba and especially to Dr. Bovell and the wonderful people working on 3 North in the Grace Hospital. Their main concern throughout the week was first for Dave’s shot at healing and then his comfort and dignity, and he himself was full of gratitude. They looked after us too and It’s hard to adequately thank this team of helpers.

Donations to Main Street Project, 661 Main Street R3B 1E3, would be welcome.

We will post details soon regarding a musical event to celebrate his life.

Richard Rosin

Funeral Director Ltd.

204-219-1126

Tribute Link: richardrosin.ca

DAVID CRAIG MARNOCH

On Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Grace Hospital, David Marnoch passed away at the age of 72 years.

Arrangements are pending with a longer notice to follow.

Richard Rosin

Funeral Director Ltd.

204-219-1126

Tribute Link: richardrosin.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2025, Jul 30, 2025