John Gordon Marckworth, age 75, died unexpectedly on March 10, 2024 (International Bagpipe Day) from complications following brain surgery.
John will be remembered for his deep kindness, dry humor, big bear hugs, unapologetically eclectic interests, impeccable manners, good grammar, bad puns, culinary curiosity, and passion for having the right tool for the job.
Born in Seattle, WA, John was a Roosevelt High School graduate (1966), attended the University of Washington and helped to establish a computer system for the University Book Store, where he worked from 1970-1980.
In 1981, John and his wife, Phyllis, moved to Port Townsend. While fixing up their small house, John began his path towards becoming a professional woodworker. “I bought a stack of DIY books, and a Sears radial arm saw, blindly stepped off the metaphorical cliff, and never looked back,” said John, reflecting on the arc of his woodworking career. After 30+ years working with home owners, architects, and contractors to design, build, and install high-end custom cabinetry and furniture, John joined Jim Tolpin and Tim Lawson in 2007/2008 to found the Port Townsend School of Woodworking.
In 2018, John retired and moved with Phyllis and his extensive home woodshop to Yakima, WA. In Yakima, John and Phyllis combined forces with their daughter and son-in-law to set up a new multigenerational home and to help with the two grandchildren, whose custom-made mud play kitchen remains the envy of all.
Friends and acquaintances are invited to join John’s family for a memorial potluck / wake from 11 AM – 3 PM on Monday, August 19, 2024 at the Fort Worden Kitchen Shelter in Port Townsend, WA. Wear your Carhartts (if you wish), and bring some food and a fond memory of John to share. Instead of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Port Townsend School of Woodworking at https://www.ptwoodschool.org/donations. Letters of condolence may be sent to his family c/o Phyllis Marckworth, 5902 Glacier Way, Yakima, WA 98908.
John was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Dotter Marckworth (1895-1980), and his mother, Mary Evelyn “Mev” Marckworth neé Lytle (1909-1999). He is survived by his sisters, Lois Stanford (Henry) and Peg Marckworth (Steve Felton); his wife, Phyllis Marckworth; his daughter, Kate Marckworth (Dale Meck); and his grandchildren Arthur Marckworth and Evelyn Marckworth.
