was born in San Jose, California to Drs. Charles and Margaret Leftwich, the third of four children. He was educated at McKinnon School in San Jose, and upon graduation at age 21, worked at a sheltered workshop helping package Teddy Ruxpin dolls. Mark enjoyed participating in the annual Special Olympics and competed in both bowling and running, proudly displaying his many ribbons. Each week he would accompany his father while he played golf, and afterward they would have lunch with "the boys," his father's friends, an outing Mark always looked forward to eagerly.
Upon the death of his parents, Mark relocated to Colorado in October 2000 where he soon became a fixture in both Clark and Steamboat. He lived with his older brother Charles Leftwich, sister-in-law Karen, niece Amanda and nephew Chris. Mark was involved with the Horizons Day Program and for the last eleven years has lived in a Horizons Residential Care home. Most recently, Mark worked at the Bud Werner Memorial Library and he has attended the Anchor Way Baptist Church for many years. He was a lifelong Star Trek fan, loved to dance, and could sing both "The Sound of Music" and almost all Beatles songs word for word.
Mark greeted everyone, whether friend or stranger, with a big smile and quite often a hug. He embodied exuberant joy and pure love and brought happiness to everyone in his orbit. Mark loved spending time with his family who universally treasured him.
In addition to his brother Charles and family, Mark is survived by his brother Ralph, Ralph's wife Megan and son Ben; his sister Rebecca Leftwich Hodson and her children Nathaniel and Katie Hodson; his great nephews Zakk and James Leftwich, great niece Aila Hurlstone-Leftwich, and many cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 10AM at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. Donations in Mark's memory can be made to Horizons Specialized Services at P.O. Box 774867, Steamboat Springs CO 80477.