Mark Alan Leighton, 68, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday July 12, 2016. Mark was born on March 30, 1948 in Havre, Montana to Clifford and Elizabeth (Beth) Leighton.
Mark received his education in Chester, Montana and graduated from Chester High School in 1966. Mark was active in high school sports, he excelled in basketball and was proud of his Class B state second place finish his junior year of high school.
He went on to attend Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana where he received an Associate of Science Degree in Drafting. He continued his education and received his BS in Civil Engineering from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana in 1976. He then took a job with the Montana Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer where he worked until he retired in 2005. He was most proud of his work on the Great Falls Bypass and Glacier National Park projects. He finished his career working on the expansion of the North Reserve corridor project in Missoula.
Mark was proud to serve his country in the Montana National Guard in Helena for six years.
In 1976, Mark and his former wife, Dawn Shepherd welcomed the arrival of their son, Ryan followed by their daughter Kim in 1979. Mark was proud of his children and their accomplishments. He was an outdoor enthusiast who actively enjoyed camping, hiking and fishing. He was actively involved in his church, loved golfing and always enjoyed a long Sunday drive.
He is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Elizabeth (Beth) Leighton. He is survived by his son Ryan (Ivana) of Spokane, Washington, and his daughter Kimberly (Shannon) of Helena, Montana. His brother Larry (Bonnie) Leighton of Scottsdale, Arizona and his sisters Sharlene (Ron) Hanson of Havre, Montana, Sandra (Dean) Schumacher of Overland Park, Kansas, Randi (James) Holland of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Chelli (Marlowe) Fossen of Joplin, Montana, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 23 in Helena, Montana at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue, at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow at the home of Dawn and Scott Lockwood at 423 Holter Street in Helena. A burial service will be held at the Chester Cemetery in Chester, Montana on Sunday, July 24th at 1:00 PM followed by a reception at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 10 E. Madison Avenue, Chester. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Mark.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 23, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday July 23, 2016
Dawn & Scott Lockwood residence
423 Holter Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Sunday July 24, 2016
Our Saviors Lutheran Church
10 E. Madison Avenue
Chester, Montana 59522
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 23, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday July 23, 2016
Dawn & Scott Lockwood residence
423 Holter Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Sunday July 24, 2016
Our Saviors Lutheran Church
10 E. Madison Avenue
Chester, Montana 59522
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Jack Anderson says
I have known Mark since the late 70’s. I always saw him as a quiet and reserved man. But I will say that he was also a caring person. When I went through a very difficult time, Mark was there to help me. Few others really cared. This showed me his caring was genuine. Even though he was having very difficult health issues himself, I tried to be there for him. I hated to see such an intelligent man suffer. I know Mark personally gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ, so I am positive the only thing that died was his worn out physical body. Now Mark is rejoicing in the presence of his Creator. God Bless you Mark and I will see you later, You lucky man!!!!!
Eric Hanson says
RIP Uncle Mark.
Lori Ashton says
I am so sorry to hear about Mark. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending a hug to each and everyone of you.
Love,
Lori ( Visocan) Ashton
Emily says
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the promise God gives us for the future, that He will soon end all reasons for distress, even sickness and death. (Revelation 21:4) If you would like to learn more about this beautiful hope, feel free to visit jw.org.
Ethel Sutej says
Our thought and prayers are with you and yours. It is always hard to not have someone special still in you life. May Mark rest in peace.
Chuck & Ethel Sutej
Ivana Zorica says
I’ve only known Mark for the last 5 years. He’s my father-in-law and has always been nothing but sweet and kind to me. A few months ago, Mark sent me a short, apologetic note about forgetting my birthday with a gift. It was a very thoughtful gesture and an example of what a caring man he was. Mark’s health issues prevented him from enjoying more activities in recent years, but it’s been a pleasure learning about his life through pictures and stories. Clearly Mark was a very intelligent man and loved to learn. Discovering his early years captured on film, show a successful young man at ease with the world and a fun loving side that makes me wish I’d known him sooner. While I am sad for the loss his children, siblings and extended family are enduring, I happily take comfort in knowing that Mark is in peace and exactly where he longed to be.