George Markham. Another sad goodbye for Northampton

This is Arky and George Markham at the celebration of his 100th birthday in August. George passed away last Sunday morning. I saw Arky that evening at the National Priorities projects annual fall party where she went to be with her friends and colleagues to support a cause that was so important to both of them. She was greeted with open arms. It was a sad day but his was a long life well lived. Goodbye George and thanks for all you gave to our world.

“NORTHAMPTON – George F. Markham, 100, of 43 Dogwood Lane in Northampton, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, at Overlook at Northampton.

He was born on Aug. 15, 1909, in Independence, Wis., the son of the late John and Eleanor (Brown) Markham. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he began working with the Associated Press in 1936, where he became an ardent member of the American Newspaper Guild.

During the Second World War, he served with distinction on the aircraft carriers Saratoga and Yorktown in the South Pacific. Following the war, Markham returned to college to earn a master’s degree in social studies and later taught in colleges in New York before he and his second wife, Arky, moved to Northampton in the 1960s.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Helen (Wendler) Deane; and his brothers, Arthur and Richard Markham. He leaves his wife, Rose “Arky” Markham of Northampton.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence, 220 Main St., Northampton.

There are no calling hours. The Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton has been entrusted with arrangements.”