Marshall Isaac Dignam was born April 23, 1946 in Glasgow, Scotland and passed away on May 4, 2023 at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Marshall was the eldest of 3 children. He lived in Bridgeton until he was 12 where he would frequently play with his friends and steal shots of malt vinegar from the local fish and chip house. Marshall and his brother Ed attended Castle Toward School. It was an exciting time, since not many people can claim they went to school in a castle! After Bridgeton, he moved to Easterhouse where he lived until he came to America in 1963 when he was 17 years old.
While living here in Utah, Marshall befriended John Dixon who had a group of friends who were quick to accept Marshall into the gang. One friend in the group was a girl named Virginia. They quickly became an item and dated for about 2 years, but broke up while Marshall was in Vietnam. In September of 1976, Marshall and Ginny rekindled their relationship and were married on November 4, 1976.
Marshall proudly served for 22 years in the US Army. His military career began on December 7, 1965 when he was drafted to serve in Vietnam as a combat engineer from 1966-1967. Following his service in Vietnam, he joined the Army National Guard Reserve until returning to active duty for the Army National Guard in February of 1981. He started as a crew chief for the H Model Helicopter at Airport Number 2. He was reassigned to Camp W.G. Williams in 1984, first as an instructor in the Non Commissioned Officer Academy. He then took over test control until 1998 when he retired. In addition to his military career, Marshall worked a variety of other jobs; from snowplow driving for Salt Lake City to shuttle bus driving at the Salt Lake International Airport. Aside from his military service, one of his most reminisced careers was living the cowboy life with his good friend Bud Mallet.
Marshall was a fantastic storyteller and he had many interesting life stories to share. Governor Scott M. Matheson and his wife loved to fly in the H model helicopters during the time Marshall was crew chief. Marshall recalled that Mrs. Matheson would always ask if they could fly with the helicopter doors open.
He talked about his time served in Vietnam. On one of his excursions, he was to drive a truck from the camp to another location. Initially, he was to be the driver but his fellow soldier wanted to drive and Marshall agreed. On the way to their destination, snipers targeted them, but the bullets whizzed just above the drivers head. Had Marshall been driving as planned, the bullets would have hit him in the head as he was significantly taller than the driver.
Marshall loved spending time with his family and friends. Everywhere he went, he ran into someone he knew, or he made a new friend. He had a great sense of humor; always had a funny or amazing story to tell; a Scottish song to sing, or a great piece of advice to give. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who asked. He doted on his grandchildren the most, with affection, love, and gifts of whatever the grandchild wanted. He enjoyed woodworking, reading about history, taking road trips with his wife and family, watching war movies, westerns, crime shows, and listening to classic country music, especially Patsy Cline.
In 2002 Marshall saw an advertisement in the Army Times for a reunion of the 34th Combat Engineer Battalion being held in Washington D.C. He and his wife decided to attend. He was able to reunite with some of his fellow soldiers he served with in Vietnam. This was a very healing experience for Marshall. He and his wife have attended all but one reunion since 2002. Over the years, some of Marshall’s children and grandchildren have also attended the reunions. The 34th Engineer group has become part of our extended family and we love them all.
Marshall is survived by his wife Virginia Almstedt Dignam and his four children, Jennifer Stone (Cindy Bennet), Ryan Dignam (Christina Dignam), Kevin Dignam, Kaitlin Dignam, three grandchildren, Jessica Gilbertson, Madison Dignam and Liam Dignam. Siblings Edward Dignam (Debbie Dignam), Valerie Molle (Charles Molle), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Marshall is preceded in death by his parents Isaac and Ellen Dignam, and daughter-in-law Cindy Bennett.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to any local Veteran’s Association in your area.
Viewing is Wednesday May 10, between 6-8pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East, South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.
Service is Thursday May 11, 32 nd Ward, 1401 West 700 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84104, viewing is 10-11am, service is 11-12pm.
Interment following services at Utah Veterans Memorial Park 17111 South 1700 West, Bluffdale, Utah 84065 (North of Camp Williams).
Became friends through the 34th reunions, YOU will be missed. Marshall your monkeys loved you, RIP MY FRIEND!!!
Grew up with Marshall and his family in Provanhall Easterhouse, great memories of this time sadly never got the chance to meet him again after he left Scotland. May he rest in peace 🙏🙏
We are so sorry for your loss our thoughts and Prayers are with you and all the family so sorry Marshall didn’t get to come to Glasgow.
Marshall was an AWESOME big brother and brother-in-law. He will be missed beyond measure and forever be loved dearly by all that befriended him. God Speed Marshall, till we meet again. 🙏❤️
Thanks to the 34th Reunions, I was blessed to know and love the old coot and his family. His gruffness and
straight-forwardness attracted me, only to find out it was all a facade. He had a heart-of-gold and was the proud patriarch of a terrific family. Will truly miss you in Maine, but will see ya in a few years.
So sad to hear of Marshall's passing. Going to miss his banter at the reunions. Another brother passing into history.
You and your family will be missed, watching you and your family was special, a love we could see and feel. Thanks 34th family for bringing us together, prayers being sent.
I’m sorry for your loss, Marshall was always a good friend.
Marshall, my 34th brother, it has been an honor and pleasure to have known you and your wonderful family. God Bless
Marshall you were so special. Really enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you through the 34th. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time. Until we meet again my friend!
My heartfelt condolences: I worked with Marshall (Diggy) for several years at the Army Aviation Support Facility. He had a great sense of humor and kept me laughing during our 10 am and 3 pm breaks. Everyone at the Utah Guard liked Diggy; he was a stalwart worker and excellent soldier.
There is a lot that could be written about Marshall. He loved two countries, Scotland and America. He served America for 22 years and loved everyone who was associated with that part of his life. I remember when he was born as I was his cousin 5 years his senior. I also remember the day when he came to America, as that was also the day that Kennedy was shot. I recall him telling us about the passengers on the plane when they heard the news that had been radioed to the pilot. He was a hard working man and always provided a good and happy life for his wife, Virginia, and for their family. There is a lot to be impressed about in how he enjoyed his life, but for me it was the way that he and his family were so close and loving. They were loyal and true to each other and they supported each other in whatever their endevour was. He loved his children and grand children with a great passion, and above all his one and only soulmate was and will be for ever his wife Virginia.. They are an forever couple, and I hope to be there to see them united in love again, when the roll is called up there for me. God Bless the entire family and keep them strong and united now as they were when he was with them. God bless you too Marshall, my wee cousin, you returned with honor.
I was one of the lucky few that got to meet Marshall and his family. Ed, Valerie, and I have known each other for over 50 years. They adored their big brother. I'm sure Marshall would get tired of all the kids that were hanging around his parent's home. He was definitely someone whose example any person would like to follow. Ginny and family, Ed, Debbie, Valerie, Charlie and family you were lucky to have him not only as a big brother but a great man. He has definitely earned his place with the Lord.
Victor and Alicia Meza-Diaz
Sorry to hear that Marshall Dignam has passed away, I was in the same class as Marshall at Wellshot school in Glasgow. RIP big man.