Donald Graham Markey

Donald Graham Markey, born March 8, 1969 died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 44 of a heart attack on March 21, 2013 in Seattle, WA.  Son of Nancy Graham Markey (deceased) and John Cornelius Markey (deceased) of Charlotte, North Carolina.  He is survived by his wife, Leslie C. Markey of Seattle, WA; brother John Cornelius Markey, Jr. of Graham, North Carolina; Aunt and Uncle Steve and Cornelia Robinson of Charlotte, NC and two beloved cats; Arnold and Abner.   Handsome, humorous, personable and polite, Donald was smart, highly educated, motivated to be of service to others and a man of faith.  He was baptized a Christian in Anacortes, WA in 2003 and gained healing, strength, and support for over 15 years in Al-Anon.  He was devoted to seeking a better understanding of God—by exploring spirituality—so that he could live in the sunlight of the spirit.  He shared this journey with his wife.  Donald’s relationship with Leslie began in 1999 and they then married in 2007 in Seattle, WA.  He was blessed with a faith that worked and it showed in the way he smiled, talked and loved.   Donald graduated from NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina in Mechanical Engineering and received his high school diploma from Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, NC.  Donald also graduated from the Marine Carpentry program at Seattle Central’s Wood Construction Center, with advanced boat building skills.  He worked in that profession in Anacortes, WA for Northern Marine.  Primarily though, he was employed for approximately 18 years as a marine mechanical engineer, with two of his past employers being Todd Shipyard and Kvichak Marine.  At the time of his death, Donald had chosen a strong departure from his prior marine-related careers, pursuing job opportunities with the City of Seattle Police Department.  He was preparing for the physical exam portion of the application process when his life was cut short.   Donald loved the water.  He loved the northwest and made it is home for over 20 years.  He was a resident of West Seattle for the last 7 years.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed sailing, boat-building, surfing and reading.  He was an avid supporter of animal charities; a true guardian of animals in need and was personally responsible for giving safe, lifelong, loving homes to 10 rescue cats.  He considered himself to be politically progressive and cared deeply about national issues.  He had great passion for the U.S., but loved all things U.K., with hopes of one day spending an extended amount of time touring in Scotland with his wife.  He will be dearly missed by all who loved him and we are all better for having known him.