Marshal Iwaasa’s candlelight vigil at Legacy Park Pavilion on November 18, 2022. (Credit: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Candlelight vigil honours third anniversary of missing Lethbridge man

Nov 19, 2022 | 11:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It was a somber day for the family and friends of Marshall Iwaasa.

The search for the missing man has entered year three with still no answers into what happened to the then 26-year-old.

On Friday, November 18, 2022, dozens of community members gathered at the Legacy Park Pavilion to host a candlelight vigil for Iwaasa.

His mother, Tammy Johnson, addressed the crowd by thanking everyone for their continued support and sympathy over the past few years of uncertainty.

“Personally, I dread November,” said Johnson. “It’s hard to describe how it feels. Lots of times, you don’t feel like it can really be happening and the heartbreak of not knowing where Marshall is; is overwhelming.”

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She went on, “I just can’t believe this has happened. I can’t believe it’s been three years and we still don’t know much. We have more questions than answers unfortunately, and so that’s very hard to come to terms with.”

Marshal Iwaasa’s candlelight vigil at Legacy Park Pavilion on November. 18, 2022. (Credit: LNN)

Iwaasa was last seen on November 17, 2019, by his family in Lethbridge before leaving for their family storage locker and heading back to his home in Calgary.

All the family knows is that the code was used at the storage unit, but it’s unclear if he ever made it back to Calgary.

A week later, on November. 25, 2019, his vehicle was found burnt out in the back country near Pemberton, British Columbia, a 13-hour drive from Lethbridge.

Marshall’s sister, Paige Fogen, expressed how their search efforts despite little information has never wavered.

“For the past three years, we’ve gathered so many supports from the community,” explained Fogen. “We’ve been able to put out posters across Canada, we’ve [had] billboards, we’ve had people come out near and far who have wanted to support us and help us in spreading awareness in Marshall’s disappearance and help us find answers.”

The ‘FIND MARSHAL IWAASA’ Facebook page has garnered over 14,000 followers from all over the world, with individuals offering their condolences, ideas on his disappearance, sharing posters and bumper stickers along with spreading his case via videos, podcasts and articles.

Johnson says, “I feel so blessed and grateful that Marshall’s case has gotten all around like Australia, New Zealand, everywhere and that warms my heart. Knowing that people care, really makes a big difference and we’re very appreciative of that.”

Marshal Iwaasa’s, mother, Tammy Johnson (Left) and his sister, Paige Fogen (Right). (Credit: LNN)

With those closest to him promising to never stop searching, the candlelight vigil is just another way to raise awareness for Marshall Iwaasa on the third anniversary of his disappearance.

Iwaasa is described standing at 5’11, weighing approximately 170 pounds, with brown eyes, a moustache, and shoulder length, curly brown hair which was usually tied back.

He was last seen wearing a green hoodie, a grey toque, red high-top sneakers and black pants.

Anyone with information on Marshal Iwaasa’s disappearance, or his movements any time after November 17, 2019, is asked to call the Lethbridge Police Service at 403-328-4444 with case file #19030078.

Tips can also be anonymously submitted through Crime Stoppers.

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