In Memory
RICHARD A. MARKS July 5, 1948 - December 19, 2021
Richard A. Marks of North Canton, age 73, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2021. Rick was born on July 5, 1948 in Jamaica, New York to the late Harry and Dorothy (Kelly) Marks.Rick graduated from Kent State University where he met the love of his life, Marlene Baker. He worked for Field Local School District as a teacher and principal. He retired from Canton City Schools after being a principal and administrator.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene (Baker) Marks with whom he would have celebrated 52 years of marriage on January 17th .He is also survived by two children that he proudly adored, Kristin (Gregory) Zink and Jason (Angela) Marks both Canton. He was the biggest supporter of his grandchildren Jack and Delaney Zink and Owen and Ruby Marks. He was a loving brother to his sisters, Carol (Bill) Tosh, and Susie (Dick) Boccard and brother Robert Marks all of Leland, North Carolina. He was loved by numerous nieces and nephews. Rick was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing at different courses around the world. He and Marlene loved traveling the world with family and friends.
“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you will never pass away”
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Stark County Hunger Task Force.
Al Whitehouse
Rick was 15, I was 16. We met during gym class September of 1964. Due to the size of the class, gym lockers had to be shared by two students. Rick was my locker partner. Thus, began a friendship of 57 years.
We both trekked off to Kent State with thoughts of an uncertain future leading the way. During our first winter break, we decided to hitch-hike home rather than absorb the expense of a bus or train. The rapidly falling temperatures called for second guessing our decision. After all, who wouldn’t’ want to pick up two guys with suitcases in hand shivering from the elements. We made it home, but vowed to never repeat the experience.
We shared a dorm room for a quarter and experienced what the winter of Kent State '66 had to offer two kids from Pittsburgh.
The fraternity house of Phi Delta Theta became our next shared domicile. There we shared the many experiences that come with avoiding classes and searching for the least expensive beer in town.
Rick took the more traditional path of a 4-yrear educational experience. I dallied about stretching the experience to 5 years.
Before we knew it, brides became our next live-in experience. It sure beat the dorm or the fraternity house. Before you could say, “What?”, we both became fathers – one of each gender. Rick and Marlene, Linda and I, found that playing bridge until the early hours of the night was far less expensive than paying for babysitters and the cost of a night out.
Fast forward to a couple more kids, Linda and I moving out of town, and a vast physical separation, our contacts diminished. Trips back to Ohio usually involved a dinner out while catching up on careers, kids and visiting whatever topics the nightly newscasts required sharing.
We always welcomed the annual Christmas card from the “Mawks” family. Rick’s easily identifiable, yet indecipherable handwriting marked the yearly passage of time.
May you rest in peace, my friend. In coloqis est
Al
Sue Devlin
Al, what a nice tribute to Rick....I am sure he is smiling down. Your words were perfect
Elaine Silver-(Liberati) and Michael Roberts.....added beautiful comments to Carl Evans
I did not know Rick or Carl, but as stated in Carl's comments I did (actually we all did) have that special connection of friendships from our years at Mt. Lebo Schools..... It was the best place to grow up happy, warm & friendly people...we were blessed. I too hold the memories of the times...Thanks for putting a period on that thought process