Tributes to Sir Michael Marshall after his death at 87
Tributes are pouring in for one of Cambridge’s most highly respected figures, Sir Michael Marshall, who has died at the age of 87.
Marshall of Cambridge confirmed on Sunday morning that Sir Michael had died while on holiday in Spain with his wife, Sibyl, and friends, on Saturday night.
The honorary life president of Marshall Group, and former chairman and CEO of the company, led it to impressive growth and was very active in the charity and voluntary sectors.
Daksh Gupta, group CEO of Marshall Motor Holdings, said: “Sir Michael was instrumental in my recruitment in 2008. I was privileged to serve on his board for eight years prior to the IPO of the motor group in 2015.
“He was always very proud of the motor group - he even ran it for 40 years. His personal values towards customer service and people are ingrained in our business today. He was always very encouraging and supportive.
“We have lost a great man and we are all very sad today. Our sincere condolences are with Lady Marshall and the whole family.”
Terry Holloway, who worked with Sir Michael for many years at Marshall, said: “It is a very sad day for Cambridge as well as for his many friends in the aerospace and motor industries.
“He was a wonderful man, a very good friend to many of us, and a fantastic employer. He will be very sadly missed.”
Lynn Morgan, the former CEO of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, said: “Such very very sad news. Sir Michael was a wonderful supporter of the Arthur Rank Hospice and I know he will be missed by so many people.”
Cambridge’s Labour MP Daniel Zeichner said: “I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Sir Michael Marshall, and my sympathy goes out to his wife and family.
“We had very different politics, but Sir Michael has always been warm and courteous to me, and he genuinely cared about Cambridge and the place that the company has in Cambridge life. Cambridge is the poorer for his passing.”
Cllr Gerri Bird, mayor of Cambridge, said: “Sir Michael will be greatly missed by so many people in Cambridge.
“As a business leader he was a major figure in our city. He worked to support young people to develop their skills and talents and he was an active supporter of charities including Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust.
“I would like to offer the city council’s sincere condolences to Sir Michael’s family and friends at this sad time.”
The city council is flying its flag at half-mast over the Guildhall.
Dr Julian Huppert, director of the Intellectual Forum at Sir Michael’s alma mater, Jesus College, who was the Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge from 2010-15, tweeted: “Very sad news - it was always interesting and enjoyable to talk to Michael, and he will be much missed.”
Dr Soraya Jones, director of communications and partnerships at Invested Investor and innovation ambassador at The Bradfield Centre, tweeted: “Sir Michael Marshall will be missed especially in Cambridge. Deepest condolences to his family, our thoughts are with you.”
And Ely Cathedral Business Group, which Sir Michael supported, said: “Ely Cathedral Business Group are sad to hear about the death of Sir Michael Marshall, honorary life president and former CEO of our sponsor Marshall Group. He leaves a distinguished record in business and technological development and voluntary service.”
Anne Bailey, CEO of Form the Future CIC, which runs the Marshall-supported Cambridge LaunchPad project to encourage careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), said: “So sorry to hear this news about Sir Michael Marshall. A wonderful business leader and generous supporter of so many good causes. My thoughts are with his family and all who worked with him.”
Entrepreneur David Cleevely said: “Very sad to hear that Sir Michael Marshall passed away yesterday evening. He was a great friend and champion of Cambridge and I will always remember his personal support for me. Truly one of Cambridge's finest.”
Vanessa Burkitt, managing director of Catherine Jones Jewellery in Cambridge, called him “a towering man and a huge force for good”, adding: “What an immense loss.”
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