Henry Stephen Markus was born in Los Angeles, California in 1949 to Mary Magdaline Dixon (Markus) and Heinz Markus. After a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Henry died from COVID-19 complications at the University of Washington Medical Center Northwest, in Seattle WA.
Henry was known for his quick wit, ability to get things done and being light years ahead of his peers. He was precocious and at 8 years old was selected to represent his elementary school on the popular TV show “Kid’s Say the Darndest Things”. Linkletter asked Henry: “If you could be any animal, what would you be?” Henry replied, “I would be an elephant so I could shower myself at any time”.
Henry completed undergraduate studies at Sonoma State University and University of California Irvine (UCI). At UCI Henry flexed his organizational skills and creative muscles to help establish the visiting artists program. Henry booked ‘then unknowns’ such as Janis Joplin and The Doors. Henry was also instrumental in establishing UCI’s Social Ecology program and predicted the 1973 Arab oil embargo in an economic class.
Following completion of graduate work at the University of Washington Department of Urban Design and Planning, Henry became a notable manager of major economic and transit-oriented development (TOD) projects at the Oregon Office of Economic Development, Oregon Governor’s Office, and Washington State’s King County Department of Transportation. Henry played a major role in the development of Portland’s West Side Light Rail Blue Line (MAX) and future MAX lines. Henry’s skill at working ‘across the table’ with local jurisdictions and developers, helped the Blue Line become a magnet for TOD residential and commercial development setting the stage for future TOD projects. Henry helped establish King County’s TOD program and was the major planner behind the King County’s Northgate TOD.
In 2011, Parkinson’s disease forced Henry into early retirement but did not stop him. While working from home, Henry developed an internet security consumer website: Home PC Firewall Guide informing consumers of the dangers of not protecting their computer. Also, while at home, Henry was able to support his children in their extracurricular activities by driving them to and from music and soccer practices and attending their various performances. A role he loved and cherished.
Henry was married on October 1, 1994. He loved his family, including his dogs Silver, Amber, Judah, and Molly. Henry is survived by his wife, Sandy Gurkewitz, his stepson, Jeremy Shaskus, and his daughter, Hannah Markus.
Henry’s remains are scattered in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, CA along with his Mother. In addition, a memorial stone has been placed at the Acacia Cemetery in Seattle, WA.
To honor Henry, please make a donation in his name to: Doctors without Borders - https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm
You may leave a message for the family.
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING HENRY’S LIFE - JULY 25, 2021
We will be honoring Henry at a graveside service with a Live Stream of the service from 1-2 pm.
- The graveside service will be held at:
Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home
14951 Bothell Way NE
Seattle 98155
- The Live-Stream link is:
https://my.gather.app/remember/henry-stephen-markus
Then the celebration begins! From 2:40-4:30pm please join us for a post-Covid Wake in person at Sandy and Henry’s home or via Zoom. We’ll start with a short video of his life and then share memories of and stories about Henry.
- The party will be held at:
9811 43rd Place NE
Seattle, 98115
-The Zoom Link is:
Topic: Henry Markus
Time: Jul 25, 2021 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/76344417830?pwd=THNFN2IzWFVRZk82Vm1SSWVWYmJaUT09
Meeting ID: 763 4441 7830
Passcode: 726292
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Looking forward to seeing you!
Sandy
206 484-7498
Enya - Only Time (https://youtu.be/7wfYIMyS_dI)
Who can say where the road goes?
Where the day flows?
Only time.
And who can say if your love grows
As your heart chose?
Only time
Who can say why your heart sighs
As your love flies?
Only time.
And who can say why your heart cries
When your love lies?
Only time.
Who can say when the roads meet
That love might be in your heart?
And who can say when the day sleeps
If the night keeps all your heart,
Night keeps all your heart?
Who can say if your love grows
As your heart chose?
Only time.
And who can say where the road goes?
Where the day flows?
Only time.
Who knows? Only time.
Who knows? Only time.
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