Obituary for Leon G. Markie Sr.
Mattawamkeag - Leon George Markie passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Eastern Maine Medical Center. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his partner and long-time companion Jeannie Smith of Lincoln, and his children, Gary Markie (Phyllis), Scott Markie (Lisa), Wanda Markie-Hunter (Frank Dial), David Markie (Annie), Leonard Markie (Lynn), and Leon Markie, Jr. (Cindy). He has 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers George Markie (Donna), Darrell Markie (Barbara), and Bryant Markie (Jeannie); his sister Linda Markie and his sister-in-law Pat. He is predeceased in life by his wife of over 50 years, Evelyn “Tootie” Markie, his son Billy Markie, and his brothers Harry Markie and Gary Markie.
Leon’s greatest passion in life was motorcycle riding. He rode his “hog” until he could no longer hold the motorcycle up. That didn’t stop him, though. He soon found a 3-wheel way to continue his passion for riding. He rode every opportunity he could, and was often joined by family and friends. Also, if you were driving around the Mattawamkeag or Lincoln areas, you might look up into the sky and say “it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s Leon flying in his paraplane!” Although he had one close encounter with a tree in the beginning (which was shortly thereafter removed), Leon became very good at flying paraplanes and was often consulted by those who shared the same desire as he to “fly like a bird.” He shared with his family “there is just something peaceful about flying around up there.”
Leon worked hard to support his family–working two full-time jobs. He ran a successful business, Markie’s Garage in Mattawamkeag, Maine, for over 65 years. For the first 30 of those years, he also worked at Great Northern Paper Company in the Finishing Room as a Wrapper Operator. He worked every day of his life, right up until the end. Family members have heard numerous stories of Leon’s kindness and generosity—fixing cars for people in desperate need or who could not pay.
Anyone who visited his garage was introduced to the other “love of his life,” Scooter the garage cat. Scooter spent many a day curled up on Leon’s chest—both enjoying the heat from the blasting electric heater.
Leon did not wish “a bunch of hoopla” over his death, and his wishes were to be cremated and no formal service. Right up to the end, he said “I’ve lived a good life.”
Family members will have a Celebration of Life for Leon in the Spring to honor his legacy. Leon will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Leon’s greatest passion in life was motorcycle riding. He rode his “hog” until he could no longer hold the motorcycle up. That didn’t stop him, though. He soon found a 3-wheel way to continue his passion for riding. He rode every opportunity he could, and was often joined by family and friends. Also, if you were driving around the Mattawamkeag or Lincoln areas, you might look up into the sky and say “it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s Leon flying in his paraplane!” Although he had one close encounter with a tree in the beginning (which was shortly thereafter removed), Leon became very good at flying paraplanes and was often consulted by those who shared the same desire as he to “fly like a bird.” He shared with his family “there is just something peaceful about flying around up there.”
Leon worked hard to support his family–working two full-time jobs. He ran a successful business, Markie’s Garage in Mattawamkeag, Maine, for over 65 years. For the first 30 of those years, he also worked at Great Northern Paper Company in the Finishing Room as a Wrapper Operator. He worked every day of his life, right up until the end. Family members have heard numerous stories of Leon’s kindness and generosity—fixing cars for people in desperate need or who could not pay.
Anyone who visited his garage was introduced to the other “love of his life,” Scooter the garage cat. Scooter spent many a day curled up on Leon’s chest—both enjoying the heat from the blasting electric heater.
Leon did not wish “a bunch of hoopla” over his death, and his wishes were to be cremated and no formal service. Right up to the end, he said “I’ve lived a good life.”
Family members will have a Celebration of Life for Leon in the Spring to honor his legacy. Leon will be sadly missed by all who knew him.