(Posted 16th April 2026)
Marston Saint Ange
The island of La Digue is mourning the loss of Marston Saint Ange, a remarkable
personality and beloved local figure, who passed away early this morning the 16th of
April 2026 at the La Digue Hospital following compounding health issues. A small
hotel owner with a unique approach to life and business leaves behind a legacy
defined by his easy-going nature, deep family values, sharp wit, and genuine love for
his community.
Marston who was born on the 26th of January 1945, was the kind of person who
made everyone feel like an old friend. He had a warm smile and an easy laugh,
always ready to chat or share a story. People were naturally drawn to his genuine
happiness and way of bringing everyone together, whether you were a visitor or a
neighbour. Many who came as guests to his hotel returned year after year, soon
feeling more like family than tourists. There’s even an old postcard a guest created
that says it all: "If you don’t know this man, you don’t know the Seychelles."
For decades, Marston was at the very heart of hospitality on La Digue. He ran his
beloved small hotel and restaurant, ‘Chez Marston’; side by side with the ‘Orchid’
hotel, which belonged to his wife, Laura, right next door. His restaurant drew regular
excursion groups from across the islands, eager to experience his famous traditional
Creole buffet.
Family was always at the heart of Marston’s life. He stood fiercely loyal to his loved
ones, always ready to stand side by side with them when they needed him. His deep
love for his five children—Tony, Karen, Albin, Sophie, and Lucie—was woven directly
into his life’s work. He proudly named each of his five hotel rooms after them. Just
recently, in August 2025, Marston celebrated his 80th birthday surrounded by Laura,
his children, and many grandchildren, for a day filled with the kind of togetherness
that meant everything to him.
Marston’s journey took him far from home before bringing him back to where he truly
belonged. After completing his studies at Seychelles College, he spent 15 years in
Melbourne, Australia, with his mother. But in 1978, he returned to Seychelles, drawn
by his deep connection to home and the island of La Digue, where he would leave
an indelible mark.
Marston cared deeply about the future of Seychelles and wasn’t afraid to speak up
when he believed it mattered. In 1998, he ran as an Independent Candidate for the
La Digue (Inner Islands) elections. Later, in 2011, he announced his candidacy for
the Presidency. While he ultimately did not file the necessary documentation on
Nomination Day, he never shied away from political participation and always wore
his colours of choice with pride during election seasons.
In addition to his many roles, Marston also had a brush with the silver screen. In
1985, he appeared in the film Robinson Crusoe, which was shot at Petite Anse and
Anse Kerlan. It was a treasured memory he loved to share with friends and family,
adding yet another layer to his colourful life story.
Marston Saint Ange will be remembered as a man who lived joyfully, loved deeply,
and brought people together. His true legacy lies in the love he poured into his
family, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless happy memories he helped
create.
As La Digue bids farewell to one of its most beloved sons, Marston’s spirit will live on
in the family he adored, the guests he welcomed, and the vibrant island community
he called home.
The ATCNews team extends sincere condolences to the entire St. Ange family and the friends of the late Marston St. Ange.
