Edward George Markin

MARKIN, E. George, age 104, of Helena, Montana passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Masonic Home. He was born November 1, 1906 in Logan, Montana. In his century of life George witnessed both World Wars the Great Depression and the transition from kerosene lamp, wood stoves, railroads, animal power to the invention of electricity, automobiles , internet and space flight.

George earned his bachelor’s degree in 1930 from Montana College of Agriculture (now Montana State University) in Bozeman and he received his Master’s Degree from the University of Montana in Missoula in 1932. Throughout his lifetime he taught Science and Math in small to big schools as he moved up in the career ladder throughout Montana, including: Roy, Willow Creek, Opheim, Troy, Deer Lodge, Kalispell, and finally, he taught in Helena for 23 years where he retired in 1969.

While teaching in Willow Creek he met and married the love of his life, Ann Erdahl, also a lifelong Montana schoolteacher. They shared over 63 wonderful years of marriage before she passed away in 1998. Together Ann and George raised three children during the depression and WWII while teaching around the state before securing a position in a big city of Helena where they remained for the duration of their careers. Their daughters Shirley Porter (Stan) of Spokane , WA and Arlene Carlson (Don) of Lynden, WA followed in their parent’s footsteps and also became teachers and their son Pat Markin, of Polson, MT became a research Scientist with US Department of Agriculture. Their three children as well as their seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews survive him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, his parents and siblings. Throughout his life George strove to benefit and help each community that he lived in. For over 65 years George was a lifetime member of the Lions Club and the Masons. The Lions Club gave George the Melvin Jones award; the highest honor awarded to its members. The Boy Scouts of America also bestowed upon George their highest award possible, the Silver Beaver Award for his many years of service as a District Field Representative throughout Montana. While teaching in Helena, George created the TriCo Educational Federal Credit Union, where he is known as member number 1. When he retired to Polson he saw the need for a food bank and created the Loves & Fishes Food Pantry.

Being born and raised in Montana George grew up loving the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and hiker as well as rock collector. In 1925 George and a group of young friends were the first tourists to cross country ski through Yellowstone National Park in the wintertime. Throughout his adventuring in Montana George collected thousands of agates that he cut polished and set into jewelry, canes, belt buckles and wind chimes. George’s extensive agate collection can be seen on display at the Masonic Home in Helena, where he happily resided for the last twelve years of his life. The family extends special and grateful thanks to the caring and loving staff at the Masonic Home.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, MT.

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