Geoffrey JW Marsh MBE, FCGI, CGIA, FRSH, FCIPHE, RP

Geoff was a man with ambition to make his neighbourhood, in the broadest sense, a better, happier, more friendly place. Born in Westerham, Kent in 1932, Geoff started his career in the plumbing industry at the age of 16. He chose plumbing based on his understanding, even then, of “how fundamentally important this engineering discipline is to the existence of humanity”. This conviction guided his progress from apprentice to a leader in the global industry. Geoff’s life’s work was to create paths for plumbers to be continually trained, qualified and, ultimately, to be recognised as engineers.

Geoff joined the Livery of The Worshipful Company of Plumbers in 1967 and was on the court of the company for over 40 years. He trained as an apprentice plumber, became technical director of Marley Extrusions and introduced several patented products into the industry. He served as president of the Institute of Plumbing between 1975 and 1976 (now the CIPHE), chaired its General Council and was an Honorary Fellow of the Institute. Geoff was elected first chairman of the World Plumbing Council and holds its distinguished service award. Within the industry he ran two trade associations, served on the Construction Liveries Group and the Water Regulations Advisory Committee.

One of his important achievements was the introduction of the Master Plumber Certificate, and he served as chairman of its working group. He was Master of the Plumber’s Company in 1986 and holds the St Michael Medallion, the company’s highest honour.

In the 1987 New Year’s Honours List, Geoff was awarded the MBE for services to the plumbing industry.

Geoff’s partner in everything he did since 1954 was Ann. They met at Chatham Barracks where Geoff was completing his National Service, playing badminton (Geoff hit Ann in the eye with a shuttlecock). Married in 1956, they were inseparable. Ann was his help and support and she was his rock. The importance of education and vocational training was instilled in their four children who all built fulfilling careers.

Family times revolved around sporting activities: Geoff and Trevor, playing cricket at Knole Park; family days at Canterbury to support Kent CCC; Geoff and Ann cheering on their children’s sporting endeavours and vicariously living through their travels and adventures.

At home, Geoff was rarely without a pad of paper and a pen, writing about or sketching his thoughts and ideas. He was passionate about patiently developing a concept and turning it into reality through persistence and hard work.

Geoff’s faith was strong. In 2000 he wrote of his relationship with God while sitting in a hospital car park. We are so grateful to have this as a confirmation of his faith about where he has gone to. “When my consciousness, spirit or soul is called home I will leave love behind to grow in others and take loving thanks to God for my life on earth.”

Geoff is survived by Ann, their children Trevor (Gill), Helen (Richard), Jo (Tim) and Elisabeth (David), grandchildren Alex, James, Louise (Cam), Hannah, Nic and Andrew, and great grandchildren Aurora and Owen.