Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Club Chairman Dr David Marsh, aged 88.

Dr Marsh served on the Everton Board of Directors from 1988 until 1997 and was the Chairman from 1991, succeeding Sir Philip Carter, until 1994, when he handed the reins to Peter Johnson. 

During his tenure, the Blues became founder members of the Premier League.  

Born in Southport in 1934, David Marsh became one of the leading amateur golfers in the country, representing England on 75 occasions and participating in the Walker Cup – including the victorious year of 1971 when Great Britain and Ireland defeated the USA for the first time in 33 years and for only the second time ever. 

Dr Marsh subsequently captained the Walker Cup team twice in 1971 and 1975. 

He also won The English Amateur Championship on two occasions, first at Notts Golf Club in 1964 and then again at Royal Birkdale in 1970.

In 1967 he became the youngest captain of Southport & Ainsdale and in 1990 he was named captain of the world-famous Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrew’s. 

His contribution to amateur golf was later rewarded with an MBE 

Always a keen sportsman, Dr Marsh also played rugby union for Southport and away from sport, he was a long and active supporter of the Claire House Hospice.  

Everton Chairman, Bill Kenwright said: “David was my Chairman, my supporter, my friend…and in many ways my hero.   

“Almost the last words he said to me at the Chelsea game were, ‘I worry about you Bill, you have to take some rest’. I laughed and replied … ‘I want to be like you. You’re the healthiest near 90-year-old I’ve ever met.’  

“We gave our customary goodbye hugs at the end of the game and, as always, he tried to cheer me up with something positive after a defeat. He was that kind of man, caring, sharing and an Evertonian.  

“He loved our club as he did his family and his beloved wife Katy.  

“I will miss him dearly. He was always there for me for a word of advice and friendship… and on his part the perennial question about ‘what was happening?’  

“It’s been my privilege to meet several lovely people throughout my life – David Marsh was a beautiful man.”