Richard Markham 1936-2024
Richard E. Markham, 88, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in the loving care of his family.
Richard was born in Soldier on April 8, 1936, to parents Robert and Ethel Markham.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree at Emporia State College in Kansas (1958), he served in the Coast Guard for three years along the New England coast. He received his master’s degree from the University of Minnesota (1969) and his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts (1971).
He married Susan L. Haff in 1961 and they raised two children, James E. M. Markham and Amy E. Markham. During these years Richard was completing his education and teaching at North Adams State College (now MCLA). During his 30-year career at NASC, Richard worked to promote interdisciplinary learning and was active in faculty leadership. His passion for teaching–and learning–earned him the North Adams State College Faculty Association Senior Faculty Award in 1994.
Richard married his second wife, Donella Bolinger, in 1984 and they lived in North Adams, and then Adams, Mass.
During retirement, Richard turned a stronger focus toward his decades-long interest in mystery and spirituality, self-publishing several books on the topics and conducting local discussion groups. He and Donella spent five weeks on a self-guided and meticulously planned journey through central Europe. They made two other trips to different parts of Europe and even traveled in Southeast Asia.
Richard enjoyed long rounds of golf on summer days with friends, working diligently over the years at honing his technique, and won the Waubeeka Club Championship in the early 1990s.
Richard leaves behind his sister, Mary Markham Coverdale; his adult children, Jim and Jim’s wife Emily G. Howard, Amy Markham and Steve Bolinger; and Richard’s beloved grandchildren, Eva G. Markham, Lucas G. Markham, Tiane DeVore, Jaden DeVore, Camryn Devore, Bolton Bolinger and Hunter Bolinger.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Williamstown Congregational Church Meeting Room in Williamstown, Mass.
Remembrances may be left at Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home and iBerkshires.com, and donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the North Adams Public Library and the Louison House. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
