Richard E. Markham, 88

ADAMS, Mass. —  Richard E. Markham, 88, died peacefully at home on December 15, 2024 in the loving care of his family. Richard was born in Soldier, Kansas on April 8, 1936 to parents Robert and Ethel Markham. Born at home, with no electricity or running water, it would be many years before this Kansas farm boy enjoyed these amenities at home.

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). His studies in education and political science would help shape his interest in philosophy and lifelong inquiry regarding the human condition and the mystery of life.

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–along with his friendly, affable nature, inspired countless students during his lengthy tenure and 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, as he completed his teaching career and moved into retirement. He and Donella’s son Steve Bolinger formed an especially close bond that endured over the years. Richard was a warm, engaging and funny person and he spread this spirit generously among family and friends alike. He and Donella were known for their philanthropy and volunteerism, most notably including work with the North Adams Library, and the Williamstown Congregational Church and ABC program.

Richard was a loving, devoted and supportive father to his three children throughout his life. As grandchildren entered his life he shared his humor with them and spent countless hours reading stories, playing games, going to their athletic events, concerts and theater performances, and taking them to Mass MoCA.

Richard had a genuine empathy and concern for others. He was always interested in others' perspectives, which led to many long conversations over the years among a group of close friends. He minimized his own hardships in comparison to those less fortunate around the world and gave deep thought to issues of social justice and human rights. He embraced people from all walks of life, genuinely interested in and accepting of their authentic selves.

In recent years, he became more outspoken about the dangers of rigid, dogmatic thinking in religion and politics, and became a prolific contributor to the Berkshire Eagle Letters to the Editor section. He authored three self-published books which summarized his thoughts about a deeper spiritual dimension in life, and the risks of ideological thinking. The books served as a focal point for discussions with Richard’s family and many friends. In his later years, Richard studied numerous theologians and considered himself to be more mystic than philosopher.

Richard reveled in his son and daughter-in-law’s garden, always finding joy spending time with them there and spotting butterflies. He loved making homemade blueberry pancakes for his family and was even known to drive to his daughter’s home to make them when she had houseguests. Even in his 80s, he was still helping his children with house projects and their gardens.

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. He took pleasure in simple things like the branch structure of trees in wintertime, the beauty of flowers and the satisfaction of maintaining a garden that people often stopped to compliment. A lover of music with broad tastes, he enjoyed jazz, classical music and the live scene at Mass MoCA’s Freshgrass Festival.

Our family has been comforted by the outpouring of love and affection for him from family members and friends. So often in our society, elderly people are overlooked, but our father seemed to be beloved across generations. To all who have known and supported Richard, we express our deepest gratitude.

Richard leaves behind his sister, Mary Markham Coverdale, his adult children, Jim and Jim’s wife Emily G. Howard, Amy and Steve, 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 at the Williamstown Congregational Church Meeting Room, 1-3 pm Saturday, December 28th, 2024. 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