Al Markus, age 87, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2010. Born in Czechoslovakia, Al came to Canada at age five with his mother Francis and his father Paul to homestead at Aylsham, Sask. There, he grew up and married Lucille McDonell. Al and Lucille, with daughters Terry and Sharon, moved to Davidson where Al became partsman for Fred Gatzke in his Chrysler dealership. Three years later, Al in partnership with Eugene Lockwood, built and operated a Massey Ferguson and Chrysler dealership on Garfield St. Some years later, Max Reed joined him in a tire shop venture. During this time, another daughter Connie was born (1955); Al’s mother Francis came to live with the family; and a son Paul was born (1961). Al played baseball, curled, joined Kinsmen and Masons, and learned to play golf. Golfing became his passion and lasted his whole life. He was involved in plans for a new golf course at the present location, north of Davidson. In 1965, the family moved to Carrot River to farm the family land and later Al and Lucille moved to Nipawin where Al opened an income tax and accounting business.
Al’s golfing skill eventually earned him a spot in the Canadian Senior Mens Championship in Halifax, N.S. He spent 12 years as a director of the Sask. Golf Assoc., helping to rate Saskatchewan golf courses under the slope system. Al retired in 1986 and he and Lucille spent their winters golfing in B.C. and St. George, Utah until health prevented it. Al and Lucille moved back to Davidson in September of 2009 to be closer to daughter Sharon.
Al is predeceased by his parents and his eldest daughter Terry. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Lucille, his children, eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.