Ronald Wayne “Sparky” Markgraf
1940-2016
Ronald W. Markgraff, a longtime resident of Aberdeen, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam. He was 75. Ron was born on Aug. 19, 1940 in Colville, WA. to Emery and Peggy (Wayne) Emery. He moved to Aberdeen with his family when he was in the 4th grade. Ron attended Weatherwax High School, graduating with the class of 1960.
During high school, Sparky served in the Naval Reserves, and enlisted in the United States Navy after graduation. He served on the USS Ticonderoga aircraft carrier before being discharged in 1964.
He started working at Grays Harbor Paper in 1964. On May 1, 1972 he married Patricia Pardee in Reno, NV. Ron worked for Grays Harbor Paper for many years until forced into medical retirement in 2007.
He was a member of the Highlands Golf Club for many years until back surgeries forced him to quit playing. He spent lots of time at Wynoochee Wildwood, enjoying building his campfires. He also enjoyed reading and talking with his wife as well as many friends, especially his buddy Don…oh, the stories they could tell!
In addition to his wife Patricia, Sparky is survived by his son John E. Markgraf of Aberdeen and daughter Julie A. Markgraf of Spanaway, WA. He is also survived by a brother Donald (Emily) Markgraf and their five children of Springville, UT, his sister Delores Bravos of Arizona, his sister-in-law Jan Melton, niece Stephanie Melton-Talevich and nephew Lee Melton.
The family asks that memorial donations be made in Sparky’s honor to the Aberdeen Fire Department Emergency Services Fund, 700 West Market, Aberdeen 98520, or the Aberdeen Food Bank, 306-1/2 North I, Aberdeen 98520.
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