Born October 11, 1955, in Newport, Wales, Timothy John Marks was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. Throughout his years on Earth, he fell in love with running, writing, acting, poetry, music, and wood refinishing. A graduate of the London College of Furniture, Tim spent years as a journeyman before realizing his dream of owning his own company.

Pioneering eco-friendly staining techniques that improved the safety and sustainability of refinishing products, he founded EcoSmart Wood Restoration, proudly serving hotels, restaurants, and private clients across Maryland, D.C., Philadelphia, and Florida. Tim was also a local actor and playwright, debuting several plays in Baltimore and New York City. He is remembered most fondly by his daughter for his role as Jacob Marley’s Ghost in A Christmas Carol—performed alongside his son, Martin Sherman-Marks, who played what she insists was the best Tiny Tim Baltimore has ever seen.

Our father was extraordinarily generous: He loved children and animals, though he was most partial to his beloved dogs, Gwyn, Christy, Taff, and Dai. It was not an unusual sight to see him or Cathy bundled up on the deck in the winter, grilling a steak or chicken breasts for their furry companion. He kept McDonald's gift cards in his car for anyone who needed a meal or a hot cup of coffee, and he always had time for a chat. Most notably, Tim was rightfully proud of nearly 50 years of sobriety, effectively breaking a cycle of alcohol addiction and physical abuse that had plagued his own childhood. He was also proud to be West Ham United Football Club’s biggest fan, completely in line with his lifelong love of the underdog. 

Tim is survived by his loving wife and stepmother to his children, Catherine Preis, with whom he would have celebrated 26 years of marriage on November 27th. They treasured their life together, sharing a love of books, theater, live music, and family. A devoted homebody and his social butterfly, their opposite natures were a constant source of affectionate teasing from family and friends. Tim loved nothing more than a cup of tea and hearing Cath recount her day.

He also leaves behind his children, Martin Sherman-Marks and Emily Marks; their spouses, Cassie Sherman-Marks and Olivia Grace; and his grandson, Samuel Sherman-Marks, whom he adored. Tim is also survived by his brother and dearest friend, Michael Marks. He maintained close connections with his previous wives, Jane Shivnan and Gail Blackburn, with whom he shared his children. Tim often said that Martin and Emily were lucky to have been raised by three strong women who worked together to shape their lives.

Our father left this world unexpectedly, collapsing from a heart attack in New York, just outside a jobsite. He did not regain consciousness and, with Catherine by his side and their nephew Johnny playing The Pogues on his phone, passed peacefully under the care of an incredible team of nurses and doctors on October 20, 2025. He takes with him the source of much of our family’s laughter and joy, though he leaves behind a legacy of love that words can’t fully capture.

There has been—and will be—no man better at the Irish Goodbye than Tim Marks, leaving nothing but the warmth of his laughter and the lingering scent of lavender and coffee behind him. All the rest matters very little; in the end, it was only love. We miss him fiercely.

The family invites those who would honor and celebrate Tim's life to join us for a memorial on December 6th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Hiss United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Luncheon to Follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to The Maryland Food Bank through their website (MDFoodBank.org) We would like to thank our family and friends for the warmth of their wishes and support during this difficult time. 

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