Kenneth Ray Markham was born to Raymond Walker and Merille (Harpole) Markham in Burbank.
Kenneth enjoyed surfing the California beaches. Then CARS became his passion. He loved working on them, it was hands-on. He enjoyed music all his life and worked at a stereo repair shop (Perfection Audio), inside the Hollywood Federated Electronics — they had all the newest equipment. He was like a kid in a candy store! He met so many musicians … liked most.
He met Donna Fern at a wedding in 1972, married in 1980 and started Markham Construction. He did new construction but found remodel challenging. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. With his body getting older, he went into wholesaling lumber at Eugene Forest, Shasta Sierra, Wildwood and the 2002 started Bear Creek Lumber.
He retired to build a ’55 Ford fir Woodburn Racetrack… what fun he had! He loved animals, his dogs were always at his side whether in the truck, classic car or bed. Progression of dementia stopped him from driving, so his buddies would take him out is his ’55 Ford or their cool cars. Thanks to all who put a smile on his face and shared time and laughter together.
He leaves behind his wife, Donna Markham; sister, Mary Janette (Robert) Adams; adopted sister, Robin (Thwing) Havens); nieces, Lisa (Andy) Hazlewood, Heather Fern and Deanna Mastenson; and all his many friends who he considered family. He was preceded by his adopted brother, Russell Szerlip, and his nephew, William Adams.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Greenhill Humane Society and Peacehealth Sacred Heart Hospice. They have the kindest, caring and most knowledgeable staff. Thank you.
