Obituary of Theodore W. Markham

Theodore (Ted)W. Markham , age 92, of Mitchellsville Rd., Bath passed quietly away at Ira Davenport Hospital on January 29 . Ted was born on August 12, 1921 in Turin, NY, the fifth child of Ernest and Evelyn( Wasmuth) Markham. Ted was proud of his Tug Hill roots, loved to talk about snow, and bragged that he was born in the ski lodge at Snow Ridge Ski Center, the old family home Ted will be remembered by the community for his lifelong commitment to the public. He was a founding member of the Village of Bath Shade Tree Committee as well as the original chairman of the Mossy Bank Park Committee. His dedication to Mossy Bank was recognized in 2007 when the Mossy Bank Nature Center was renamed the Ted Markham Nature Center to honor him. In 2005 Ted was inducted into the Steuben County Hall of Fame for his work with Dr. Konstantin Frank in bringing the culture of European grapes to the emerging wine industry in Steuben County. Ted was a dedicated Rotarian. He maintained perfect attendance for more than 25 years and held several offices including club president in 1981. Rotary’s Paul Harris award was awarded to Ted in 1995. In 2012 he was given an honorary lifetime membership in Rotary. He was on the board of directors of the New York Christmas Tree Association. He was a charter member of the New York State Urban Forestry Council. A 56 year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bath, Ted served as both an elder and trustee. Ted was also a member of the New York Forest Owner’s Association, the American Chestnut Foundation, the NY Farm Bureau and the Nature Conservancy. He left his classes at Cornell University in 1943 to serve his country in the Army Air Corp. At war’s end, Ted returned to Cornell to graduate in 1946 and returned once more in 1971 to earn his Master’s degree. He remained active in the Air Force Reserves, retiring after 18 years of service as a Major. Ted began his career in 1946 with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Wyoming County working as a County Agricultural Agent. In 1957 he came to Steuben County and began his work with the Steuben County Office. His retirement in 1976 brought more time to work on the family’s Christmas tree business. Ted is survived by his wife of 68 years, Margaret Kuhn Markham and his five children: Pamela Markham of Ithaca, NY; Jill Markham O’Hara of Union Springs, NY; Phillip (Joanne) Markham of West Sand Lake, NY; Leigh (Henry) Peck of Lutherville, MD; and Brian (Theresa) of Honeoye Falls, NY; eight grandchildren: Kathryn (Andy) Eldridge, Graham and Kaylyn Peck, Anne O’Hara, Molly O’Hara, Thomas Markham, Margaret Markham, Jack Markham, and two great grandchildren: Liam and Lucy Eldridge; thirty two nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Ted was fortunate to be able to make a living doing what he loved, nurturing and teaching others about the earth. He was happiest when he was cutting firewood in his woodlot, working with his Christmas trees, managing his garden, and fishing with his brothers and nephews. He loved the beauty of Steuben County, and in his later years was eager to show it off on his many outings with his family. Ted was predeceased by his parents, five sisters, three brothers, and three nephews. Friends and Family are invited to call on Friday, February 7, 2014 from 4:00PM – 8:00Pm at Fagan’s Funeral Home 31 W. Morris St., Bath. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 8th at 11:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Bath followed by a lunch reception at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial Contributions may be made in Ted’s name to the Ted Markham Nature Center at Mossy Bank, The Village of Bath Shade Tree Committee, or the First Presbyterian Church of Bath.nell University in 1943 to serve his country in the Army Air Corp. Wospital.