A FITTING TRIBUTE

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The truck convoy. There’s something magical about a long line of big rigs, crawling along single file, their drivers united in mind and in spirit as they commemorate an event or contribute to a cause. Some convoys are to celebrate, to raise funds for worthy charities. Others are to mourn. You’ll read about two convoys in this edition of Hooked Up, but I’ll start out with one that’ll tear at your heart.

Marshall McCartney, 24, of Lion’s Head, Ont., recently lost his life in an awful truck crash near Wiarton. He was engaged to be married to his sweetheart Darcie Szymezko, and loved her young daughter as if she were his own. The three looked forward to building a life together, but it wasn’t to be.

Friends wanted to send Marshall off in style, and so they organized a 27-truck convoy to carry his casket through his hometown. Marshall was a trucker’s trucker. He was well known and beloved within the local trucking industry. His friends say he would’ve loved the idea of giving him one last trip through town aboard a semi. Our new assistant editor, Daniela Piteo, has the full story in the October issue of Truck News.

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Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


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  • Marshall was well know as a dedicated driver at the age of 24 he was a professional driver in all aspects of the trucking industry. what a loss at a that age . It was great to see all the trucks that showed up for his farewell. I tell you he would be grinning ear to ear if he could have seen the tribute from his trucker friends . This shows you how big the truckers stick together when hardship hits they are their for their fellow trucker friends.

  • Way to young to leave this earth.My prayers be with his family and friends..Being a trucker all my life I think back to all the near misses and close calls that came into my path in my trucking life..God Speed Marshall..I’m sure you’ll be missed..R.I.P.

  • My brother would joke around and tell us he was going to be famous and right now I can hear him saying “see Amber, told ya I’d be famous” with his big grin! Thank you for printing a touching tribute, I can’t wait to read the full article. Where will I find it?

  • It is wonderful you are doing an article as a fitting tribute to Marshall. However, the article above has a few errors. Marshall grew up in Wiarton but was living in Miller Lake at the time of the accident. The accident happened in Rothsay (in Wellington County). The funeral was at Lion’s Head and the convoy took Marshall to his final resting place at Eastnor Cemetery.

    McCartney, Marshall – of Miller Lake, suddenly as the result of a traffic accident on Tuesday, August 27, 2013. Marshall Larry Kenneth McCartney at the age of 24 years. Dearly loved fiance of Darcie Lee Szymezko; and cherished father of Kenzie. Treasured son of Larry and Jo Anne McCartney; and Darcie’s parents Bill and Lynn Szymezko. Grandson of Betty McCartney; and “Granny Franny”. Devoted brother of Amber McCartney of Shallow Lake; and adored uncle of Grace. Marshall will be sadly missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends. Predeceased by grandparents Gordon McCartney, and Thelma and Ken Caudle. Family invite you to gather with them for visitation at the Bethel Missionary Church, 18 Ferndale Rd., Lion’s Head, Friday August 30, 2013 from 7-9 PM where a service will be held in the sanctuary Saturday at 2 o’clock. Visitation one hour prior to service. Interment in Eastnor Cemetery with a reception to follow. Donations to for his daughter Kenzie’s education fund, would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, 814 Bruce Rd. 8, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041.
    Marshall McCartney
    1989 – 2013

  • A beautiful tribute to a fine young man, and to his lovely young family, Darcie and Kenzie. I saw that truck convoy at Marshall’s funeral and it was one of the most moving spectacles I have ever seen. Obviously, truckers look after their own. My thoughts are with Darcie and family, and with Marshall’s family. May they have treasured memories.