It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our brother, Edward Jerome Makara, who died on May 27, 2017, in Helena, Montana. He was first and foremost a United States Marine, proud to have served our country, both here and in Viet Nam.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, the youngest of four children, his three older sisters cheerfully catered to and spoiled him. He spent 11 happy years in New England, surrounded by 12 cousins and many aunts and uncles. After the death of his beloved parents, he moved with his siblings to California, where he graduated from high school, began college, then enlisted in the military when the Viet Nam conflict started. When he left the service, he began a successful career in banking, both in California and Seattle, Washington.
As his health deteriorated due to his exposure of agent orange in the war, he decided to move to Montana, with its healthy air and easy access to the veterans’ hospital. He loved this “big sky” state, always ready to show it off to family and friends. Here he was able to indulge in his enjoyment of gourmet cooking.
Another important aspect of Ed’s life was his love of animals. Whenever he went to a rescue facility to look for a dog or cat, he always asked to be shown the animal who was most abused. The lucky dog or cat found a new life, filled with love and attention. His backyard held a variety of bird feeders, always filled to the brim. He also loved children, and one of his favorite photos was being surrounded by kids grinning at him, which was taken in Viet Nam.
Ed also spent many hours listening to his extensive collection of classical and jazz music, as he retired to his library in the evening, with a cigar, brandy, and one of the hundreds of books he acquired over his 69 years. Whenever anyone wanted to discuss politics or the military, they knew Edward would be available, with both wit and knowledge.
Besides his three sisters, Geraldine, Alice, and Sandra, he leaves behind nephews Stefan, Sean, Shannon, Kerry, Steven, and Phillip, nieces Laurie and Trina, many cousins, special neighbors Dave and Sue Smith, and cat Muriel.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2017 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ed.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday June 9, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison
Montana , 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday June 9, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison
Montana , 59636
Kirsten says
I lived next door to Ed for 10 years in Helena before moving about 5 years ago. Ed always had the most amazing yard in the neighborhood and he took great pride in making sure it looked that way. If ever I had a question in gardening or cooking he was the one to ask and he was always willing to offer advice or help. We had many talks in the front yard and he was a great neighbor. My heart breaks to hear of his passing. He was a good man and will be missed.
Howard Mears says
June 4, 2017
Semper Fi, Marine Makara.
The Donald J Ruhl Detachment 620 of the Marine Corps League salutes Marine Edward Makara and gives thanks for his service to our beloved United States of America, to the State of Montana, to his family and to the United States Marine Corps.
The inter-service rivalry shared among all veterans is healthy and well in Helena. The jibes and taunts we give to each other are only given because of the respect we have for other veterans who have served under our Flag. We all realize it takes us all of us to protect those ideals we hold dear. Not one to be outdone, however, the Marines have even included that inter-service rivalry in the third verse of the Marines’ Hymn, below (emphasis added).
The important part of the third verse, to Marines, is that it describes “our final duty station guarding the streets of gold.” Marine Makara is now guarding those streets and is in the presence of Marines from 1775 to today.
Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful
,
~Howard Mears
Sergeant, USMC (Veteran)
Chaplain, The Donald J Ruhl Detachment 620
Marine Corps League
Helena, Montana
The Marines’ Hymn
From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
Our Flag’s unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job –The United States Marines.
Here’s health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we’ve fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
Robert Brosa says
Semper Fi Ed, We met in 1967 RVN, and were friends in country and stayed friends when we came home. We went through marriages together and more. You helped me when I needed it and were a godfather to my daughter. Through all your trials and decades of friendship we were always there. I wish you well and hope to see you again sometime. All my love and rest in peace brother. You are missed.
Jim Freeman says
Semper Fi my brother.
Denise (Melton) Epler says
I met Ed many years ago; he was moving from Georgia to Montana driving in a white compact car with an old over-heated dog lounging in the entire back seat and cargo area…After talking Real Estate (& a dish of cold water for the dog) Ed invited me to ride with the two of them in search a home in Helena.
We found a small rundown home on Broadway that he purchased and turned into one of the most appealing homes in the neighborhood inside and out. After doing everything possible to that little house on Broadway he was ready to get something new (& larger). We then set out on a search for house #2. We found a lot in a new upcoming neighborhood…Of course he worked his magic and created a beautiful home and yard that was the envy of the neighborhood!
I enjoyed getting to know Ed and his many talents. We shared several recipes, meals and conversations about art, books, and music. An interesting conversationalist, Ed was always respectful and insightful.
A classy human being I am happy to have known…
Sean Taeschner says
Ed was my boss in the collections department at Seafirst Bank / Bank of America from 1991 to 1995 when I left to work for Key Bank. Whenever he called me into his office I felt as if I were in a Marine Corps recruiting office. He had the Marine symbol made out of solid brass like a large dinner plate from India, as well as the U.S. and U.S.M.C. flags on his desk. He also had a decommissioned hand grenade with a pin in it and the words COMPLAINTS…PULL PIN on it. He knew how to scare the hell out of young collectors and coached us to get the CASH or the CAR. We broke numbers and he was proud of all of us.
One time, Brian Acuff placed live gold fish in a plastic-lined drawer inside of supervisor, Mike Vitkevich’s desk. Ed laughed and let Brian get away with it. Since Mike had been in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war they were good buddies and Ed often referred to Mike as “the Squid”. He had a drooping shoulder from injuries suffered while fighting in Vietnam for our country. Knowing that he passed made me feel sad.