Ronald Norman George Marken was born 15 January 1939 at Camrose, Alberta. He earned his B.A. at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota in 1960, attended Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul (1960-1962) and received both an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Alberta in 1965 and 1972 respectively. Marken joined the English department at the University of Saskatchewan in 1966 as an instructor and was granted tenure as professor in 1980. He has served as Head of the department as well as acting head of the department of Native Studies. Marken has received a number of awards in recognition of his teaching prowess. In addition to literature and composition courses, Marken has taught modern drama and British poetry. He has published a number of poems, including collections entitled Cycles of Youth & Age and Dark Honey, articles and reviews pertaining to drama productions and monographs, edited The Easterner's Guide to Western Canada and co-authored 1919: The Love Letters of George and Adelaide, which was subsequently presented by Regina's Globe Theatre as "Dancing in Poppies" and "Flights of Angels" presented by Saskatoon's 25th Street Theatre. Marken has also presented a number of academic papers and popular addresses to audiences at home and abroad. As part of his academic duties, Marken has served on a variety of committees at the departmental, college and university level. He is an active member of a number of professional organizations is involved with several community groups.