A tribute to George Steven Marker
A tribute to:
George Steven Marker, a longtime resident of Sandpoint and respected teacher at Sandpoint High School, 72, who passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at his home in Kootenai, Idaho.
A private family celebration of George’s life will be held at a later date.
George was born on July 22, 1949, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to George C. and Mabel J. Marker. He attended Coeur d’Alene schools, graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1967. In 1969 he graduated from North Idaho College with an AA degree and transferred to the University of Idaho, graduating with honors in 1971, majoring in history and political science.
In 1971, George got his first and last teaching job at Sandpoint Senior High, retiring in 2005. He loved teaching history, trying to instill that love into his students. He tried to make history fun and at the same time challenging. He would tell his students, “To understand history, you have to learn it.” Actual trials in history were recreated by his students as well as simulations throughout the year to supplement the course. Many of George’s students became lawyers because of their first taste of the law in his classes.
His greatest professional satisfaction came when a student came into his class and said, “I don’t like history” and at the end of the year said, “I really enjoyed your class and I have a new found love of history. You made learning fun.”
He and Bill Barlow started the girl’s softball program and watched it continue to grow. George started the Advanced Placement Program at SHS. He also co-authored a book called “The History of Bonner County” in 1977, getting it published and subsequently it was used it in the schools as a resource in Northwest History. George was a motivated teacher and it showed.
George loved sports, period. He was an avid supporter of the Sandpoint Bulldogs and Idaho Vandals, attending games up until his health prevented him from doing so. Other than sports, George enjoyed sharing “Bugsy” rides, annual trips to Cannon Beach, RV’ing, tailgating with Michelle and being with friends and family.
George is survived by his wife beloved wife of 38 years, Michelle; his two sons from a previous marriage, Chris, retired U.S. Army (Celesta) and Scott (daughter Mackinzie Marker).
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Kirk Walker and sister Carole.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Bonner County Hospice.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit George’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.