Suffield Obituary: Leon Markwell, 89

Leon “Keith” Markwell of Suffield, beloved husband of Carole, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 after a short illness.

Keith was born June 24, 1928 in Baldwin Mills, Quebec, Canada to Eugene and Marion (Wheeler) Markwell. His favorite pastimes growing up in Canada were playing hockey and ice skating. In his early twenties, Keith moved to Suffield. to learn the candy making trade, working side by side with his uncle, Edwin L. Brigham of Brigham’s Candies.

During the summer months when the candy production slowed down, he worked for the Orr Construction Company. Later, he opened his own candy company, Keith Markwell’s Fudge from The Home of Edwin Brigham. Keith loved chocolate and always kept a stash in “his drawer.” He passed his love of chocolate on to his daughters.

After retiring from the candy business, he worked for the Town of Suffield as a courier where he made many friends throughout the town. His favorite pastimes were riding his Harley, watching auto racing and hockey, and traveling to visit family and friends in Canada. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Carole, Keith leaves behind his three daughters Kim, Christine and Lynne who will miss him immensely. “Popi” also leaves behind his two grandchildren, Daniel and Abigail who were the light of his life. Also mourning his loss are his two sons-in-law David and John. He will also be missed by his cousin Judith Goodsell Davies of Sutton, Quebec, Canada.

Friends and relatives are invited to join the family on Saturday, March 3 from 1-4 at Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home, 443 East Street N. (Rt. 159), Suffield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith’s name may be made to the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association, P. O. Box 642, Suffield, CT 06078 or to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.

Burial will be held in the spring at Mount Forest Cemetery, Coaticook, Quebec, Canada.