Alan Marsh died on Wednesday 13 September at age 78.
A dedicated leader. This is how Camps Bay community leader Alan Marsh will be remembered. Marsh died on Wednesday 13 September following a short illness.
The 78-year-old served as the chair of the Camps Bay and Clifton Community Policing Forum and co-founded and directed Ignisive – Ignite Inclusive Change Community-based organisation.
Theresa Masaglia, a friend and co-founder of the organisation, said Marsh’s death “left a gaping hole in the community and our hearts”.
“Few may know just how much he did for others, as he never spoke of it but instead quietly just got on with things. Even less will know how, regardless of his own struggles, he pushed through and set aside his own challenges to always put the needs of the community first.”
Masaglia said his “humble wisdom” won the respect of many.
“He led by example and always remained so professional. His integrity, calm and discreet approach in the most delicate situations made him the perfect person at the helm, especially when chaos erupted.”
She said he treated everyone with the same respect, and everyone had the highest respect for him.
Masaglia adds that he was a teacher, a tour guide, a mentor and a legend to everyone.
“To do what he has done at his age blows my mind. The level of energy he put into everything. It was so great to work with him. As co-founder and director of Ignisive we valued his leadership in co-creating the shared vision of authentic collaboration, transformation and social impact, through a fully integrated team-centric model, inclusive of all community stakeholders including the man on the street.”
She explains that his passing is felt beyond the boundaries of Camps Bay,
“He eagerly joined the social development interventions in communities like Kalksteenfontein, to support ongoing efforts to keep children in school and off streets.
“The greatest blessing to me was crossing paths with him a few years ago. His legacy will live through every bit of work we will continue to do in his honour.
Thanks for being the spark that set out to just love, learn, and bring light to everyone who had the privilege of engaging with you.”
Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor, extended her condolences to his family, friends and the Camps Bay community.
“So many people will know Alan for his dedication to the community through the CPF, which he has been the chairperson of for the last few years. He was also a founding member of Ignisive NGO who have done so much to help the homeless community and children at risk in Kalksteenfontein and more.”
Jowell says his passing leaves a massive gap in the community.
“Alan played a massive role in the Camps Bay community, that cannot be underestimated or replaced. He will be missed by so many. Wishing his wife Edith and daughter Ali a long life, and much strength in this time of sadness.”
Sgt Glynnis Bester, crime information management analysis centre commander at Camps Bay Police Station, said Marsh was “part of the furniture” of Camps Bay police.
“He had such a big heart for our Camps Bay police family. He came with his problems from the community straight to my office and used the famous phrase ‘Sgt Bester, we need to talk’, then you know Alan wants to talk about crime, threats and street people.”
Bester says he will be missed.
“He always had something good to say. He was always willing and able with my projects, was on par with everything. He was an amazing human being. I’ve lost someone dear to me, and my heart is heavy. He used to sit for hours on end in my office just talking and I’m going miss him so much.”
Marsh leaves behind his wife Edith and daughter Alley.
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