Dave Marston
A Memorial Celebration will be held this Sat, July 18th at11:00 a.m. for local, beloved musician and choir director Dave Marston, who died on June 22nd of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare, fast-progressing neurological condition. The Celebration will be held at the Bandshell in Ashland's Lithia Park. There will be a tribute and service led by Rev. Brad Carrier, followed by a potluck lunch in the park and music by The Nowhere Men, the popular Beatles cover band founded by Marston. People are encouraged to bring a dish to share if they wish, and a mitt and a ball for anyone who'd like to play a post-service game of catch in honor of Dave, a lifelong baseball player and fan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marston Memorial Music Mentorship Fund, which will provide aid to students of all ages in need of financial assistance for voice, guitar and/or piano lessons with local instructors. Marston also taught privately for almost three decades in the Rogue Valley, and in addition to his belief that music has power to change the world, he was passionate in his commitment to help people find their creativity and expression through music. Checks may be made out to "Account 1496965-14 / Marston Mentorship". Donations can be brought to the memorial or sent to Account 1496965-14, c/o Rogue Federal Credit Union, PO Box 4550, Medford, OR 97501-0278.
There are also two upcoming, special "Weekends of Caring" being organized for early August to help the Marston family prepare their Ashland home for necessary sale. Volunteers are being sought to help with much-needed cleanup, repair, painting and yardwork. In the spirit of a community barn-raising, decent food, good music and great company will be provided to all who participate. The two "Weekends of Caring" are Friday through Sunday, August 7-9 and 14-16. Volunteers with all levels and areas of organizational and practical skills -- or just a willing pair of hands -- will be welcomed and appreciated.
The events are being organized by Marshall Fundraising Management, an Ashland-based fundraising and special events consulting firm who donated their services pro bono to produce and help coordinate last month's two-day benefit concert event in support of Dave and his family. Additional information can be found on the website www.DaveMarstonFamily.com. To participate, or for more information, please contact Larry and Joy Marshall at info@marshallfundraising.com or call (541) 488-3121. Please indicate the time(s) you're available and the area(s) in which you'd like to help. Volunteers will be contacted with more information.