Richard Markey

Mr. Richard Edward Markey, 66, of Frederick, beloved husband,friend and brother, dear old dad, and Silly grandpa, Richard "Dick" Markey, lifelong resident of Frederick, died peacefully at home Wednesday, July 9, 2008, after a long illness.

Born April 12, 1942, he was the son of David J. "Jack" Markey Jr. and Mary Alice Mobley Markey.

Dick had a unique ability to appreciate the things that truly matter in life, friends, family, happiness and the arts. He lived a simple life, operating his own graphic design business for nearly 40 years, which was a one-man home-based operation for over a decade. A natural and talented artist, he especially loved encouraging and mentoring budding artists to explore their talents and delighted in seeing the results. Some of his own works of art can be seen throughout Frederick in the form of metal sculptures conceived and created with his brother Pete, and logos designed for organizations such as the Community Foundation of Frederick County and Frederick Memorial Hospital.

One of Dick's greatest qualities was his humility. Well-respected, talented, and giving of himself, he was the recipient of several awards throughout his lifetime, none of which he would have bragged about, and, if asked, would have told you he didn't understand what the fuss was about or why they were giving it to him. Recently named one of Frederick Memorial Hospital's Good Samaritans of the Year for 2008, and a Wertheimer Fellow for Excellence in Volunteerism by the Community Foundation in 2004, he spent many hours serving the needs of not only his friends and loved ones, but his community as well. He served on the Board of Directors of several local organizations, including Frederick County YMCA and Maryland Sheriff's Youth Ranch, and gave of his time and talent to many others.

As a young man, Dick graduated from Frederick High School and then attended the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. An avid sports fan and participant, he was a founding member of the Frederick Falcons football team in the late '60s and early '70s, playing as quarterback, back-up running back, and later coaching the team.

Surviving are his wife, Linda J. Markey of Frederick; and her son, Jeffrey Boyd and wife, Miyuki of Gifu, Japan; ex-wife Susan Markey of Middletown; and their children, Jack Markey and wife, Christa Keen, of Middletown, Elinor Markey of Point of Rocks, and Lisa Markey of Baltimore; grandsons, Jacob and Samuel Markey of Middletown; brothers, David and wife, Patricia, of Bethesda, Jay and wife, Dotty, of Hagerstown, Peter and wife, Carol, of Frederick, and Robert and Nanette of Frederick; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Services will be private. Arrangements are with the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, and online condolences may be shared with his family at www.keeneybasford.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick's name to "The Mary Alice & Richard E. Markey Scholarship Fund," Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 E. Church St., Frederick, MD 21701 or Hospice of Frederick County, 516 Trail Avenue, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.

_PaperDate 7/11/08