MARKS, Leonard Richard 1939 – 2011

Marks, Leonard Richard, of Calgary, passed away peacefully at the Southwood Hospice in Calgary on September 5, 2011 with his family at his side.

Leonard was born October 20, 1939 in Vulcan, Alberta, the first son of Bill and Hazel Marks of Armada, Alberta. In 1958 he married Ann Long of the Queenstown area and together they had three children. Leonard loved horses from early childhood, so it was no surprise he became a jockey, riding for his two uncles Jack and Stan Marks from 1954 – 1960. In 1965 he wanted to experience outriding, so he rode for Dennis Dorchester at the Calgary Stampede.

Leonard, himself loved racing his horses and he always seemed to have a keen eye for picking out a winner. When his father passed away in 1983, he continued to live on the farm with his two sons. In 1989, his son Les married, six months later Leonard purchased a house in Milo – said the farmhouse was too “crowded”. He lived there until selling the farm in 2000. In 2001, he purchased a house in Calgary to be close to his daughter Debbie and has resided there since.

Leonard was known for his keen sense of humor. He could tell a negative story about himself and have everyone in stitches.

He is survived by his two sons Rodney, Leslie (Sonda) and their children Kale and Shay, all of Sunnybrook, AB, a daughter Debbie (Perry) Winters and son Trey of Calgary two sisters Doreen Sparkes of Champion, Gwen Dorchester of Claresholm, brother Paul Thomas, numerous nieces, nephews, and host of friends in and out of the racing circuit.

Funeral service was held held Monday, September 12, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Vulcan Legion Hall with Sue MacDonald DM officiating, with interment at Vulcan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, tributes in Leonard’s memory can be made to Alberta Cancer Foundation (Tom Baker) 1331-29 St NW Calgary, AB T2N 4N2.

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. To e-mail condolences, visit www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.

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