Richard MARKOW

MARKOW, Dr. Richard "Rick" Ph.d
Rick passed peacefully on March 9, 2014 with family at his side. Beloved son of Sally Markow and William Markow (deceased). He will be sadly missed by his sister Marilyn and brother Bill (Fran Doyle) of Burlington as well as his niece and nephews, aunts, cousins and friends. Rick is best described as a friend first and foremost and secondly as a committed academic in the field of psychology, which was his passion for over forty years. Rick knew his calling early on from his undergraduate years at Brock University and has taught thousands of undergraduate students at the University of Ottawa, as well as St. Lawrence University in Upper New York State. Rick also loved rock and roll and was a professional drummer from the age of 16, playing in Southern Ontario and cutting a record with his group Majority in the early seventies. He continued with his love of music even while teaching by becoming a professional "roadie", helping to set the stage for many well know acts who played the Ottawa area. Rick will be fondly remembered as a man of passion, charm, wit, courage, compassion, integrity and as an incredibly honest and forthright individual. Rick "lent his strength to many … and showed us how to bear with great dignity and courage both the bad times and the fair" (B. Dahlen). He helped more than he will ever know - both as an educator, friend and colleague. Rick would have continued to teach well into his senior years if not for the debilitating disease of Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). The family wishes to thank the staff of Perley Rideau Verterans' Health Centre, Ottawa West Unit for their compassionate care of Rick this past year. To honour Rick's years as an educator and his love for his students, the Dr. Richard Markow Bursary Fund has been established through the Community Foundation of Ottawa to recognize 4th year students majoring in psychology who are enrolled at the University of Ottawa and demonstrate a financial need. Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of Rick's life from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm on Sunday, April 27 at the Whelan Funeral Home, 515 Cooper St, Ottawa. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made to the Dr. Richard Markow Bursary fund, by a donation made to the Community Foundation of Ottawa (for Richard Markow), 301-75 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7 or online at www.cfo-fco.ca.