Gilbert Alexander Marshall, died at home at Cocklicks, Annan, on January 18, 2017, aged 81, and was buried at Ruthwell Parish Church, where he had served as an elder.
Gilbert was widely known as a regular host of sheepdog trials, from two Scottish nationals to opens and nurseries, with the provision and generosity to lend out equipment to other areas. 
He was also known for training young dogs and would regularly run three or more in the nursery season. He was a smiling face at any trial, a great supporter of local events, always ready to host a trial when a venue was needed and happy to stage a trial to raise funds for charitable causes, including his church. 
He enjoyed giving others the opportunity to learn, allowing monthly clay pigeon shoots to be held at the farm. He was also a member of his local community council.
Born in Markethill, Armagh, Northern Ireland, on August 1, 1935, Gilbert grew up with eight siblings, although another died in infancy. 
He helped on the family farm and on leaving school worked on neighbouring farms until he took up employment as a digger driver for the local council. Gilbert was also a member of the B Specials until they were disbanded and then became a part time member of the UDR, reaching the rank of corporal. 
In 1962, he married Maureen in Loughgilly Church and after initially renting ground, the couple bought Rock View Farm, Armaghbreagh. 
In 1976, they moved to Wales with their three sons Edward, Andrew and James. Following a successful time there, they uprooted again in 1986, to settle at Cocklicks, Cummertrees, Dumfries, where the family grew to include five grandchildren. Edward is now farming at Cocklicks. 
He enjoyed regular visits to his family and friends in Ireland, trying to go in July so he could take part in the orange walks along with Kilbracks Lodge, where in his younger years he played the lambeg drum.
Gilbert was a successful triallist who had been in the Scottish team, enjoyed breaking young dogs for sale and was always happy to guide anyone who asked for help to train their dog and to share his wealth of information. 
When not with his dogs, Gilbert could often be found in his vegetable plot or tending to his bees. Latterly, he had been hand rearing calves bought from local dairy farms.
 Over the past year, Gilbert battled valiantly with cancer and enjoyed tending to his livestock and running dogs until shortly before his death. 
Showing great spirit, he competed in his final trial on December 10, at Carco, Sanquhar, winning with Bob, taking fifth place with Nell and bidding farewell to fellow handlers for the last time.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Maureen, their three sons and their five grandchildren.