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 is the province’s highest honour, recognizing individuals for outstanding contributions or achievements that bring prestige to Nova Scotia and Canada.

Dr. Marble is recognized for his impact on heritage, biomedical engineering, and medical history. He led the development of a province-wide genealogical network, conducted innovative cardiovascular surgery research, and advanced bioengineering. His multidisciplinary work has had a lasting impact both in Nova Scotia and nationally.

Born in Truro, N.S., in 1939, Dr. Marble studied at Colchester County Academy and Dartmouth High School before earning a doctorate degree from �鶹��ý in the early 1970s. He served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Army (1963–1966) before a 40-year academic career teaching physics, mathematics, surgery, and electrical and biomedical engineering at Nova Scotia universities, retiring in 2010.

An associate professor in the Department of Surgery, Dr. Marble specialized in cardiovascular research and served as director of research from 1988 to 1996. His work advanced cardiovascular surgery by improving vascular grafting outcomes. Holding three patents, he also helped establish �鶹��ý’s School of Biomedical Engineering, leaving a lasting impact on the field.  

In the early 1970s, Dr. Marble realized that no one was actively documenting the history of medicine in Nova Scotia, nor had any books been published on the subject. Recognizing the importance of preserving this history, he began researching and writing about it, leading to the authoring of several books on medical history and biographies for the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.  

“Understanding the history of medical practice allows us to learn from past mistakes and appreciate the advancements we have today,” says Dr. Marble. “It provides crucial context for current treatments and innovations and helps us reflect on what medicine was like before modern advancements.”   

A certified genealogist, Dr. Marble founded and led the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, co-founded the Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes, and held leadership roles with several historical societies, including the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society and the �鶹��ý Society for the History of Medicine.

Dr. Marble was invested into the Order of Nova Scotia on Feb. 19, 2025, at Government House in Halifax by Lieutenant Governor Michael Savage.  

“It has been incredibly rewarding to see the appreciation for my work through feedback on my research, articles, and books,” says Dr. Marble. 

“Being invested into the Order of Nova Scotia is a tremendous honour and means that my colleagues recognize my contributions to medical science as being worthy of distinction.”