Seamas Brendan Markey

Seamas Brendan Markey

ST. HELENA - Seamas Brendan Markey, formerly of Seattle, died unexpectedly late Sunday in St. Helena, California. He was 67. He leaves behind Trish, his beloved wife of 31 years and his partner for the ages. He also leaves behind his daughter Keely, 27, who forever put the sparkle in his eye and warmed his heart every day of her life. Seamas was a proud and unapologetic Girl Dad who loved to share Keely's accomplishments with family and friends.

Seamas founded Pacific Lighting Systems in 1986, providing expertise and fair, pragmatic, and wise leadership for nearly 40 years. He "retired" earlier this year, while still lending counsel to his successors and lifelong friends at PLS. Seamas was an icon in the lighting industry with a reputation across the nation as a well-respected advocate for both the customer and the manufacturer. His proclivity for championing the next generation was fundamental in his approach to business and success.

The words''mentor' 'teacher' or 'friend', while accurate, don't adequately speak to his true character. "Seamas was an ambassador to so many in the lighting community," said Matthew Guilfoyle, president of Pacific Lighting Systems.

"He cared about people with deep regard and always worked to teach people the importance of quality relationships. He cared more about the people than the outcome, a formula that always led to the best possible outcome. Seamas was an excellent judge of character, a patient teacher, had the most incredible memory, and was passionate about the success of others. He was, ultimately, the perfect ambassador."

Above everything, Seamas was known for his infectious compassion. He was especially proud to support the Solar Mamas initiative and establish the Dylan Michael Ellis Memorial Solar Lighting Project together with the Prudential Lighting Agency network in 2022, funding solar electricity for (368) homes in rural Botswana. Trish and Keely vow to continue his philanthropy with The Solar Mamas program, whose mission is to advance gender equality by empowering women entrepreneurs to fuel homes with sustainable lighting in rural communities.

Seamas was born in Fostoria, Ohio, the son of Dr. S.R. Markey M.D. and Helen L. Matthews Markey, two former U.S. Army officers who served in World War II. He was the ninth child of Dr. and Mrs. Markey, and one of their 14 children. Seamas joined all 13 of his siblings for a family reunion on South Bass Island in the summer of 2022, the last time the entire group would be together.

Seamas graduated from St. Wendelin High School in Fostoria and attended Bowling Green State University where he earned a degree in education in 1981. He was an active member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity at BGSU and has maintained close ties with many of his fraternity brothers over the subsequent decades.

Following college, he worked for Donn Corporation as a regional sales manager and later was a principal at Lightco before starting Pacific Lighting Systems.

Seamas and his wife Trish were very active in philanthropy in Seattle, supporting many charities and hospitals, most notably the Virginia Mason Medical Center and Benaroya Research Institute. Along with their daughter Keely, they were big Seahawks fans and attended many games.

Seamas loved to cook and was one of the true gourmet chefs in his large group of siblings. One of his favorite places was Pike Place Market where he was on a first name basis with many of the vendors. At home, if Seamas was in the kitchen, everyone knew something magical would soon be on their plates.

He is also survived by 12 of his siblings: Camille (Rich) Crawford of Lothian, Maryland; Maureen (Peter Rose) Markey of San Diego; Patrick (Deidre Quinn) of Bozeman, Montana; Melissa (Garry) Whitmer of Fostoria; Anne Risner of Fostoria; Kathryn Markey of Portland, Oregon; Matthew (Linda) of Port Clinton, Ohio; Siobhan (Terry) Holman of Alvada, Ohio; Colleen (Steve) Markey-Rowe of Fostoria; Brian (Gina Willis) of Big Sandy, Montana; Shannon (Kim Sekelsky) of Milford, Connecticut; and Amy (Bill) Everding of Tiffin, Ohio.

Seamas is also survived his godson, Blaise Markey of Bluffton, Ohio, goddaughter, Alicia Markey of Corvallis, Oregon, and a legion of other nieces and nephews who adored the man they called "Big Seamas" and loved his sense of humor, his inherent kind heart, and his impressive skill set in the kitchen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear brother Sean, who was next in the sibling line above Seamas. The two were linked as each other's closest friend from early childhood, a bond that maintained to Sean's untimely death in November of 2023. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law Arnold "Skee" Salisbury and beloved mother-in-law, Adeline Salisbury.

Words could never be crafted into an accurate expression of how much Seamas meant to us all. There is a chasm in our hearts that time will not mend.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and had the opportunity to be on the receiving end of his kindness.

A celebration of the life of Seamas B. Markey will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to support the Great Plains Foundation Solar Mamas program in Botswana are welcome but not expected. Donations can be made here.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Chapel, St. Helena, California.