OBITUARY
John Eugene Marken
April 5, 1934 – November 1, 2013
John Eugene Marken, 79, passed away at Life Care Center in Mount Vernon, Washington on November 1, 2013. John was born on April 5, 1934, on the Marken Family homestead, in Bryant, Washington, to Theodore and Ruby (Frahm) Marken. John attended Bryant Elementary School and graduated from Arlington High School in 1952. John was drafted into the United States Army immediately after the Korean War. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army Reserve in November of 1962. John was a Master Diesel Mechanic, working at NC Machinery in Mount Vernon, Washington for 47 years. He enjoyed working on the “yellow” iron, as he called Caterpillar equipment and developed many friendships in the local logging and construction industries. The most memorable time in John’s life was working on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Project. He lived and worked in many of the camps (Galbraith, Toolik) along the pipeline route. John was a charter member and Volunteer Firefighter for the Bryant Fire Department. He also served as its Chief for a short time. John married Patti Smoke of Darrington, Washington in September of 1962. They raised their children Michael, Jeffrey and Kristen near the house where John was born in Bryant. After retirement, John enjoyed tinkering around the family farm and visiting with friends. John is survived by his sisters, Shirley and Violet Marken of Arlington and his children Michael (Paige) of Mount Vernon, Jeffrey (Claudia) of Marblemount, Kristen of Everett and three granddaughters, Allison and Cate and Allissa Marken. A reception for family and friends will be held November 9, 2013, from 12:00-3:00 pm, at the Loyal Heights Community Hall, located at 4305 269th Place NE, Arlington, Washington.
Services
- Memorial Service Saturday, November 9, 2013
REMEMBERING
John Eugene Marken
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RECEIVE UPDATESCalvin Nation
December 1, 2013
Please accept my condolences. I will always respect and admire John. He was my mentor for many years and a working collegue for many more. His integrity and bigger than life personality made him a very special person. I have many memories and I will always think of him as my friend.
Jerry Booker
November 15, 2013
Sorry to read of John passing. I came in contact with John in the 60's when he would come to Darrington to work on machinery or to see Harley. Never came In contact with a man I enjoyed and liked more than John. When I was a deputy he was always telling me about his kids, it was the one thing that made him love life, he was so proud of you kids. He was loved and admired by many.
NormaJean Layer ()"o)
November 13, 2013
thank you for the honor of taking care of your dad. Thank you also for telling me all about my home and how it came to be. You are all in my prayers during this trying time.
November 12, 2013
Cousins...Mike,Jeff,Kristen
Thinking about you guys and remembering the fun times at the house in Bryant creamed salmon on toast,pop tarts & top ramen,roller skating in the basement ,swinging from the rope in the barn,dirt bike riding down the tracks, oh and also running over Brian in the go cart !!Good TIMES!So sorry about uncle John Im sure you will miss him lots but just wanted to remind you of all of the memories we had in his and our younger years Love you guys!
Nancy
Pat and Joan Sygitowicz
November 10, 2013
Mike, Jeff, and Kristen
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Big John was such a Friendly, Jolly guy. May your memories bring you comfort..
November 10, 2013
Mike,Jeff and Kristen, We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. We will always remember the fun we had at your house in Bryant! Please know that we are thinking about you. Love, Aunt Carol,Pam,Steve,Nancy and Brian
November 10, 2013
Mike,Jeff and Kristen,We were sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our family is thinking about you. Aunt Carol,Pam,Steve,Nancy and Brian
November 9, 2013
We extend our sincere sympathy to the Marken family. We were classmates with
Johnny and Violet and have very happy memories of these kids as they were always so nice and so friendly.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Hazel Gustavson Southard
Marie Gustavson Nelson
November 8, 2013
Our thoughts are with all of you..
Mike & Monique Krogen
November 8, 2013
Big John you will be missed dearly Dad knew when he needed help with something big he could count on you. we well miss good times in the Bryant Fire Dept. god bless Larry Husby, and Stan and Donna Husby
November 8, 2013
Mike, ,Sorry for your loss. I personally never met your Dad but from reading his obit and knowing you, I know he was a great Dad and inspiration to you. Rejoice in all the great memories you have from your Dad. thanks for being such a great friend to LeRoy for all the years. Woody and Linda
November 8, 2013
You will be greatly missed Daddy you will live in all of our hearts forever. Kristen
November 8, 2013
Always appreciated "Big John's" humor and stories and was never without his chew. He was a really great man and will be truly missed.
Mike & Sue Hendricks(Mt.Vernon,Wa.)
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Bob & Roz Roskelley
November 8, 2013
Truely a fine individual.Sorry to hear of his passing. Always will have fond memories o working with John back in the day. Our prayers got out to the family.
Steve VanValkenburg
November 8, 2013
Mike, Jeff & Kristen:
Sorry to see Big John passed away. I always enjoyed his stories and his expertise with equipment. He was forever bragging about his three great kids. What a great guy! He alsways found me at Arlington Hardware to chat.
Another great man is gone!
Steve VanValkenburg
November 7, 2013
Please accept our most sincere sympathy in the loss of your father and grandfather. You and yours will be in our thoughts and prayers. Hold tight to the good memories. Rich and Joanne Leitch
Joyce Close (DeLeon)
November 7, 2013
Mike, Jeff, and Kristen, so sorry to hear the loss of your Dad. He was a great family man, very humble in nature and raised 3 incredible children. My condolences to you and your family...my heart goes out to you. :)
Kathy Hopkins
November 7, 2013
Mike, Jeff, Kristen and family,
Such a loss. I remember your Dad's hearty laugh. He and my Dad always were joking around. Most of the time his head was under some piece of equipment on the farm, generously helping the Smoke Brothers with the never ending equipment repairs. Our prayers and love Joe and Kathy Hopkins (Ferndale)
Jeff Williams
November 7, 2013
RIP Big John i always enjoyed working with you at N.C.The stories you told always made me smile you will be missed.
November 7, 2013
He was a fine man and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Sam and Shirley Goss.
Rich Hanner
November 7, 2013
Mike, Jeff, and Kristen, I'm so sorry for your loss. The loss of a father is something that always comes too early, regardless of their age or ours.
Mike Marken
November 7, 2013
Dad, sorry to see you pass so soon. I will miss you.
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF