David Marler, a distinguished lawyer, author, and lover of music and the outdoors, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, in the arms of his beloved wife, Jeanne, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was 83 years old.
Born in Montreal on October 3, 1941, David was the great-grandson of William de Montmollin Marler (1849–1929), grandson of Sir Herbert Meredith Marler (1876–1940), and the second son of Howard Meredith Marler (1908–1993). He was educated at Stouts Hill School and Malvern College in the United Kingdom before earning his Bachelor of Arts from Bishop’s University in 1962 and his Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill University in 1965.
Admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1967, David embarked on a distinguished legal career, first with the renowned firm McMaster, Meighen, Minion, Patch & Cordeau, and later as the founder of Marler & Associates, specializing in maritime law. He made his mark on Canadian legal history as the advocate who successfully argued three landmark cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. These cases helped define the constitutional and legal boundaries of Canadian maritime law, the jurisdiction of the Federal Court of Canada, and the validity of liability clauses in contracts governing the carriage of goods by sea.
His final court appearance was before the Quebec Court of Appeal on January 27, 2016. After retiring from the practice of law, he embraced a second career as an author, publishing his first book, One Cabin, One Cat, Three Years: One Couple’s Time in the Wilderness, on October 2, 2017, which chronicled David and Jeanne’s long-held dream of living in the woods.
Music was a thread that ran through David’s life. As a schoolboy, he sang in the choir, a passion that stayed with him throughout his career and retirement. He sang with several choirs, including Le Choeur Classique de l’Estrie in Granby, and later joined community choirs in Thunder Bay, where he shared his love of harmony and camaraderie.
In 2017, David and Jeanne relocated to Thunder Bay to be closer to their daughter, Stephanie, and her family. In his retirement, he embraced his community wholeheartedly, volunteering with the Port Arthur Rotary Club and continuing to explore his love of music.
David will be remembered not only for his towering intellect and professional achievements but also for his warmth, generosity, and deep love of nature and the arts. Whether navigating the complexities of maritime law, the quiet solitude of the wilderness, or the beauty of choral music, he brought the same dedication and passion to everything he pursued.
In his final days, David was surrounded by the care and kindness of the dedicated staff at Roseview Manor. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, caregivers, and support team who provided exceptional comfort and support during this time.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanne; his daughter, Stephanie and her husband Patrick; his son, Michael and his wife Véronique; three grandchildren, Nyx (Daphne), Soline, and Cedric; and countless friends and colleagues who admired his integrity and kindness.
Memorial services will be held in both Thunder Bay and Montreal. The Thunder Bay service will be held at Gathering Table, 228 Pearl Street, on Saturday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception. David’s interment will be held in Montreal at Rose Hill, Mount Royal Cemetery on Saturday, May 31, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Thunder Bay. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
