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Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jonathan Howard Marler, a distinguished lawyer with a thriving private practice in Oakville. Predeceased by his brothers, Michael and Bryan (survived by Janet). Jonathan was the beloved husband of Marnie, father to Jonny, Oliver (Chrissy) and Nick (Meagan) and step-daughters Katie (Joel) and Maggie (Michael), brother to David (Jeanne), and brother-in-law to Kate, David and Janet (Rick). He was a proud grandfather to Maisie and step-grandfather to Bodhi. Outside of his legal career, Jonathan was an enthusiastic sailor, an accomplished chorister, an avid reader, a keen traveller and explorer, a devoted husband and father, and a loyal friend to the ever-widening circle of people that his work, travel and music put him in touch with.

Born in Montreal, Jonathan moved to England at just three months old. He attended Stout's Hill School in Gloucester and Malvern College in Worcestershire. Following in his older brother's (David) footsteps, Jonathan returned to Canada to go to university, firstly obtaining a B.A. in English literature at Bishop's University in Lennoxville, Quebec.  He won the John Basset Memorial Scholarship in Law and pursued his legal studies at the University of New Brunswick, earning his law degree in 1973. Jonathan was admitted to the New Brunswick bar in 1973 and the Ontario bar in 1975. He established a successful practice in Toronto and enjoyed his time living on Centre Island. In 1983, he moved his family and practice to Oakville, where he managed a highly active firm until his passing.

Jonathan's family has deep Canadian roots in history, business and diplomacy, dating back to Leonard Marler, who arrived in Quebec in 1808 aboard the Harriet W. Parr. Jonathan took great pleasure in researching his family history and connecting with relatives, regardless of distance, through calls, emails, and visits.

Jonathan was an avid sailor and explored the waters of North America widely.  For many years he owned and ran a marina near St. Catherines. His skill at the helm, fighting through a gale on Lake Ontario, had to be seen to be believed.

Jonathan was a practiced chorister, with a lovely warm clear tenor voice.  He relished singing a wide repertoire at St. Jude's and St. George's churches and with the Hamilton School Cantorum. He cherished the friendships he formed through music.

Jonathan was a dedicated father, keenly interested in the academic and professional pursuits of his sons: Jonny and Nick in California, and Oliver in Victoria, B.C. He loved visiting Jonny and Nick in California, paying close attention to their successful ventures in the food and beverage industry. He was a fervent supporter of Jonny's brewery (Skyduster Beer) and Nick's restaurant (Market) in Venice Beach, which he frequented as often as he could. He followed and encouraged Oliver in his legal studies, and became a valued advisor to him as Oliver built a successful marketing business. Jonathan was immensely proud of his sons and visited them often.

Always young at heart, Jonathan embraced adventure and exploration. He particularly enjoyed motorcycle trips, including a memorable journey across India with his son Nick in 2018.

The greatest happiness in his life was his marriage to Marnie and the twenty years they shared, working together at the firm, travelling and enjoying their home in Oakville.  Marnie's daughters, Maggie and Katie, became his daughters. He was the most enthusiastic supporter of their studies, their families and their professional careers.

Jonathan lived with passion, impacting many with his generosity, supportiveness, curiosity, tenacity and humour. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service for Jonathan will be held at St. Jude's Church in Oakville, located at 160 William Street, at 11am on Saturday, January 20th.  A reception will follow at The King's Arms, 323 Church Street, Oakville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jonathan's memory may be made to The Naval Marine Archive , Picton, ON, or to a charity of your choice.