PUSD HOLDS MUIR COMMUNITY FORUM ON PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND STUDENT SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Event will honor late Co-Chair Mark Leon
Pasadena, CA - Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) will convene the third community forum on the Reinvention of John Muir High School (Muir) on May 15. The event, which will be held at Robinson Park, will bring parents, students, community members and staff together to discuss issues related to improving parent involvement and building support systems for students facing challenges outside of the classroom
The Reinvention Team’s Parent Engagement and Student Support sub-committees will present preliminary reports to attendees, before leading small group discussions where participants can provide feedback before the plans are approved for implementation next year. Participants will learn about successful parent and community support systems established by other schools and have an opportunity to recommend strategies to strengthen community involvement at Muir.
Superintendent Edwin Diaz and Parent Engagement Team co-chair Dr. Gerda Govine will also celebrate the life and contributions of co-chair Mark Leon, whose sudden death surprised and saddened many who worked with him on the Reinvention effort over the past year.
SUBJECT: John Muir High School Community Forum
DATE: May 15, 2008
TIME: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Robinson Park Center, 1081 Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
Posted by Emilia Sanchez on 5/8/08; 11:43:31 AM from the Communications dept.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
"Christina and Mark sent us this poem (written by Mark 1996)"
To Leon Family
My condolences to the entire Leon Family. Our prayers are
with you all. Mark will be greatly missed by many. He loved his family very much and he loved God and put his trust in him. He left a legacy of Faith
in our Lord. Christina and Mark sent us this poem (written by Mark 1996) to comfort my family when I lost my mother, may it now comfort his family! Mark knew God answered prayers long after our loved one are Gone. I think Mark
could have even titled this a Father's Hands.
Mother's Hands
When I was young the hands that cradled me were strong and sure.
They lifted me up, they powered me forward.
They stradled me as I walked through life,
How lightly I esteemed them.
As life's road wound through trecherous paths,
I felt no need for these hands to guide me,
Yet they came together in prayer for me,
And unawares they held me even in shadows of peril.
When I realized these hands were my mother's,
I wondered how long they were with me?
I realized they never left and are with me still.
Mother the hands of God receive you now,
I find it difficult to accept.
Yet I know your hands remain, I feel them still,
Someday our arms will embrace forevevermore.
Mark A. Leon
Love Steve, Nina, Stephanie, Tiffany, Brittany, Whitney and Stevie Perez.
My condolences to the entire Leon Family. Our prayers are
with you all. Mark will be greatly missed by many. He loved his family very much and he loved God and put his trust in him. He left a legacy of Faith
in our Lord. Christina and Mark sent us this poem (written by Mark 1996) to comfort my family when I lost my mother, may it now comfort his family! Mark knew God answered prayers long after our loved one are Gone. I think Mark
could have even titled this a Father's Hands.
Mother's Hands
When I was young the hands that cradled me were strong and sure.
They lifted me up, they powered me forward.
They stradled me as I walked through life,
How lightly I esteemed them.
As life's road wound through trecherous paths,
I felt no need for these hands to guide me,
Yet they came together in prayer for me,
And unawares they held me even in shadows of peril.
When I realized these hands were my mother's,
I wondered how long they were with me?
I realized they never left and are with me still.
Mother the hands of God receive you now,
I find it difficult to accept.
Yet I know your hands remain, I feel them still,
Someday our arms will embrace forevevermore.
Mark A. Leon
Love Steve, Nina, Stephanie, Tiffany, Brittany, Whitney and Stevie Perez.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Eulogy – Dennis Pelley, Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship
Memorial Service – Mark Leon - May 10, 2008
Funerals are a time to celebrate the life of our loved ones. Mark Leon left a legacy that lives on in all of us. In the years ahead we will carry with us his words, his smile, his passion, his love.
Today we celebrate Mark’s life. And yet we need to realize there is a time to mourn. We experience grief following the loss of a loved one. It is normal and it is painful. Through grief you are able to express your feelings about your loss.
Today’s American society denies the need for grief and sadness and pain; we try to cover it up. But it is a normal and necessary process. The grief process eventually leads to acceptance, healing and growth, but it’s not easy and it’s not quick. Let us be committed to walk alongside Christine, David, Daniel and Diana and the rest of Mark’s family through this valley of life.
Funerals are for the living - a time to honor our loved one, but also a crossroads, a checkpoint; a time to look at our own hearts. Are you ready to meet your maker?
If you have not met Jesus and do not know him, than you are not ready. Jesus opens the way to the future; he is the Way. In the same passage that Larry Helscher read, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)
Mark Leon believed in Jesus Christ, and so the way, the gate to eternal life; the way to his heavenly father’s house, the way to heaven was open to him. He is now enjoying the full presence and life and love of God. In the short time he was here on earth – only 48 years – Mark walked as Jesus walked.
Like his Lord Jesus, Mark Leon had a heart for the “little ones” in our world and a passion to give hope to the hopeless. Less than 3 weeks before he died, On April 14, Mark and Alice Bryant and I drove to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles to help with a church service given to 25 inmates, which completed our training to become certified as small group leaders for Prison Fellowship.
This was the last and latest outreach adventure for Mark Leon, who was always looking for ways to encourage those who needed hope, help and a fresh start. (present certificate to family).
Early in his ministry Jesus went into the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth and read this Scripture from the prophet Isaiah, and declared that he had come to fulfill this Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 …to comfort all who mourn, 3 …to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations…
8 "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed."
10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…
Mark was an encourager. Often we think of encouragement as giving comfort to others; and it is. But a fuller meaning is to give someone courage who doesn’t have it; who is fearful and hopeless. To give them courage that they matter and can achieve. To awaken dreams in a person.
Mark has done that in his family, in his church, in his community, in his world. His children are honors students.
Quotes about hope from Chaplain Andrew Lester: “When hopelessness overwhelms a person, something has happened to his future images.”
“Hopelessness views the future as closed and assumes change is impossible.”
“Hope dreams dreams! Hope is energized by belief in the possibility of getting somewhere, in the possibility of reaching goals.”
“Hope is essentially a shared experience with others. Community becomes the context in which we learn to hope, so Christian community at its best produces hope. We look for community in which to share hope and share visions of the future.”
Hope pushes us toward relationships because it is trusting of others and thrives on intimacy and mutual love…”
That’s why so many friends are here today. At some time in your life, Mark Leon encouraged you; he gave you some hope. And he did it in the name of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, John 5:24 - "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Mark has now inherited eternal life. He lives forever in the fullness of God’s joy.
There is singing and worship in heaven 24/7 and dancing too. Mark is joining in. Psalm 16:11 - You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Let me share with you some of Mark’s own words from the last six months. Mark often wrote me notes of encouragement. Here’s one from February 11. In our church we have had live Spanish translation of our worship service for 1 and ½ years and Mark was one of our translators. In February we decided we would begin Spanish speaking Bible Studies and Mark volunteered to be one of the teachers.
Greetings Dennis,
First, I think something is happening in our church....can't quite put my finger on it. But it has a dramatic sense. We have come a long way and God has put lots of pieces together.
As for the Spanish Bible Studies - wow! Your approach looks sound. Not sure if we are ready, but God tends to stretch us even if we are a little short.
Best, Mark
One month earlier, January 9, 2008, I had e-mailed Mark and our other teen leaders an article about the Generation Gap. Mark often took the time to write a thoughtful and always eloquent response:
Dennis,
Very good reading. From early childhood I've tried to let the kids know that, "Dad is not perfect, and will make mistakes."
However; if they are looking for perfection, look to God. Yet I'm responsible to allow them to be innovative and creative. They have the right to call me on a perceived (or real) imperfection I may not see. I have been surprised by their innovation and love of learning. Stepping out and taking risks has also let them know I am still willing to try new things.
These are good points, and it's amazing how our youth can thrive if we don't suppress their willingness to grow and temper it with what our experience has taught us. I've learned so much from them as well.
Best, Mark
Last December 23, 2007, Mark gave a sermon in our church - For Unto Us a Child is Born. Here is an excerpt:
“My liver was failing and I was on a waitlist for a liver transplant. In a very dramatic way, someone had to die in order for me to live. After about a three-month wait this happened.
“I received the call to report to UCLA in order to have a compatible liver transplanted. Like Christ who gave his very life for all of us, someone died and donated their liver that I might live. Seven hours of surgery later and I found myself recovering in an intensive care unit.
“When a child was born in the City of David a donation was being made on yours and my behalf for life eternal. We have reason to celebrate.
“Celebrate that life has come to us. Not that Rudolf’s light shown bright or Santa came with gifts, BUT BECAUSE LIFE HAS COME AND WE HAVE IT FOR ETERNITY!
“So now what is left as we joyfully walk with Jesus is the hope of the time we will see Him in fullness – hallelujah!”
“Even now as family and friends we know are dying and died within this past week we find reassurance in the hand of God. Let’s not lose sight of what this season is all about – the greatest gift, God through a child born about two thousand years ago, brought – eternal life.”
Our church is multicultural and we celebrate that and try hard to maintain it. We set aside every February as a month of reconciliation, when we preach and pray about reconciliation – in families, churches, between races and genders. Last February 3, 2008, Mark gave a sermon titled, Reconciliation – A Family Affair
(As a Latino, Mark spoke on the perspective of being Latino in America and how important reconciliation is between the children of God – racially, and ultimately within a family.) Here are some of his words:
“We are a family that has grown from the confines of immediate brother and sister. And through the ages, we’ve grown apart when God has always asked that we bind ourselves one to another. This is what he does with us. Through Christ he reconciles us to Him. Apart from him we are children lost without our heavenly Father. Wandering like sheep, unaware that death stalks us and is ready to separate us from Him…”
“So this is the distance we put between each other racially. In similar ways we set our own family members apart and find difficulty reconciling. Recently at two funeral gatherings I observed how the painful loss of a loved one created the opportunity for family members to reconcile. Often tragedy will do this. Funerals give us fertile ground.
But don’t wait. Remember a brother or sister walks wounded and you may be given the power of healing from God. All of us know that we are guilty of missing opportunities.
A tragedy or celebration may bring us to common ground and we can find time to mend wounds. These are opportunities to clear up a misunderstanding, to embrace and thaw out a frozen relationship, to forgive one another… To live for eternity is to love for eternity.”
Mark learned from personal experience that God is life and love and he taught it to others though his words and his life. Some live their lives as if there is no tomorrow. Mark lived his life, knowing there is a tomorrow, and that it is full and rich and forever. Well done, Mark, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.
INTERMENT
Wise king Solomon said this about human beings: (Ecclesiastes 3:20) - all come from dust, and to dust all return.
The apostle Peter quoted Isaiah: "People are like grass that dies away;
their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of wildflowers. The grass withers,
and the flowers fall away. But the word of the Lord will last forever."
Paul wrote: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Paul, when he was an old man, gave these words of encouragement to the young man, Timothy – “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Dear friend, Mark. You have fought the good fight of faith. Through Jesus, you now have the victory over death. You have inherited the eternal life to which you were called. Let us all do the same.
Funerals are a time to celebrate the life of our loved ones. Mark Leon left a legacy that lives on in all of us. In the years ahead we will carry with us his words, his smile, his passion, his love.
Today we celebrate Mark’s life. And yet we need to realize there is a time to mourn. We experience grief following the loss of a loved one. It is normal and it is painful. Through grief you are able to express your feelings about your loss.
Today’s American society denies the need for grief and sadness and pain; we try to cover it up. But it is a normal and necessary process. The grief process eventually leads to acceptance, healing and growth, but it’s not easy and it’s not quick. Let us be committed to walk alongside Christine, David, Daniel and Diana and the rest of Mark’s family through this valley of life.
Funerals are for the living - a time to honor our loved one, but also a crossroads, a checkpoint; a time to look at our own hearts. Are you ready to meet your maker?
If you have not met Jesus and do not know him, than you are not ready. Jesus opens the way to the future; he is the Way. In the same passage that Larry Helscher read, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)
Mark Leon believed in Jesus Christ, and so the way, the gate to eternal life; the way to his heavenly father’s house, the way to heaven was open to him. He is now enjoying the full presence and life and love of God. In the short time he was here on earth – only 48 years – Mark walked as Jesus walked.
Like his Lord Jesus, Mark Leon had a heart for the “little ones” in our world and a passion to give hope to the hopeless. Less than 3 weeks before he died, On April 14, Mark and Alice Bryant and I drove to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles to help with a church service given to 25 inmates, which completed our training to become certified as small group leaders for Prison Fellowship.
This was the last and latest outreach adventure for Mark Leon, who was always looking for ways to encourage those who needed hope, help and a fresh start. (present certificate to family).
Early in his ministry Jesus went into the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth and read this Scripture from the prophet Isaiah, and declared that he had come to fulfill this Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 …to comfort all who mourn, 3 …to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations…
8 "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed."
10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…
Mark was an encourager. Often we think of encouragement as giving comfort to others; and it is. But a fuller meaning is to give someone courage who doesn’t have it; who is fearful and hopeless. To give them courage that they matter and can achieve. To awaken dreams in a person.
Mark has done that in his family, in his church, in his community, in his world. His children are honors students.
Quotes about hope from Chaplain Andrew Lester: “When hopelessness overwhelms a person, something has happened to his future images.”
“Hopelessness views the future as closed and assumes change is impossible.”
“Hope dreams dreams! Hope is energized by belief in the possibility of getting somewhere, in the possibility of reaching goals.”
“Hope is essentially a shared experience with others. Community becomes the context in which we learn to hope, so Christian community at its best produces hope. We look for community in which to share hope and share visions of the future.”
Hope pushes us toward relationships because it is trusting of others and thrives on intimacy and mutual love…”
That’s why so many friends are here today. At some time in your life, Mark Leon encouraged you; he gave you some hope. And he did it in the name of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, John 5:24 - "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Mark has now inherited eternal life. He lives forever in the fullness of God’s joy.
There is singing and worship in heaven 24/7 and dancing too. Mark is joining in. Psalm 16:11 - You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Let me share with you some of Mark’s own words from the last six months. Mark often wrote me notes of encouragement. Here’s one from February 11. In our church we have had live Spanish translation of our worship service for 1 and ½ years and Mark was one of our translators. In February we decided we would begin Spanish speaking Bible Studies and Mark volunteered to be one of the teachers.
Greetings Dennis,
First, I think something is happening in our church....can't quite put my finger on it. But it has a dramatic sense. We have come a long way and God has put lots of pieces together.
As for the Spanish Bible Studies - wow! Your approach looks sound. Not sure if we are ready, but God tends to stretch us even if we are a little short.
Best, Mark
One month earlier, January 9, 2008, I had e-mailed Mark and our other teen leaders an article about the Generation Gap. Mark often took the time to write a thoughtful and always eloquent response:
Dennis,
Very good reading. From early childhood I've tried to let the kids know that, "Dad is not perfect, and will make mistakes."
However; if they are looking for perfection, look to God. Yet I'm responsible to allow them to be innovative and creative. They have the right to call me on a perceived (or real) imperfection I may not see. I have been surprised by their innovation and love of learning. Stepping out and taking risks has also let them know I am still willing to try new things.
These are good points, and it's amazing how our youth can thrive if we don't suppress their willingness to grow and temper it with what our experience has taught us. I've learned so much from them as well.
Best, Mark
Last December 23, 2007, Mark gave a sermon in our church - For Unto Us a Child is Born. Here is an excerpt:
“My liver was failing and I was on a waitlist for a liver transplant. In a very dramatic way, someone had to die in order for me to live. After about a three-month wait this happened.
“I received the call to report to UCLA in order to have a compatible liver transplanted. Like Christ who gave his very life for all of us, someone died and donated their liver that I might live. Seven hours of surgery later and I found myself recovering in an intensive care unit.
“When a child was born in the City of David a donation was being made on yours and my behalf for life eternal. We have reason to celebrate.
“Celebrate that life has come to us. Not that Rudolf’s light shown bright or Santa came with gifts, BUT BECAUSE LIFE HAS COME AND WE HAVE IT FOR ETERNITY!
“So now what is left as we joyfully walk with Jesus is the hope of the time we will see Him in fullness – hallelujah!”
“Even now as family and friends we know are dying and died within this past week we find reassurance in the hand of God. Let’s not lose sight of what this season is all about – the greatest gift, God through a child born about two thousand years ago, brought – eternal life.”
Our church is multicultural and we celebrate that and try hard to maintain it. We set aside every February as a month of reconciliation, when we preach and pray about reconciliation – in families, churches, between races and genders. Last February 3, 2008, Mark gave a sermon titled, Reconciliation – A Family Affair
(As a Latino, Mark spoke on the perspective of being Latino in America and how important reconciliation is between the children of God – racially, and ultimately within a family.) Here are some of his words:
“We are a family that has grown from the confines of immediate brother and sister. And through the ages, we’ve grown apart when God has always asked that we bind ourselves one to another. This is what he does with us. Through Christ he reconciles us to Him. Apart from him we are children lost without our heavenly Father. Wandering like sheep, unaware that death stalks us and is ready to separate us from Him…”
“So this is the distance we put between each other racially. In similar ways we set our own family members apart and find difficulty reconciling. Recently at two funeral gatherings I observed how the painful loss of a loved one created the opportunity for family members to reconcile. Often tragedy will do this. Funerals give us fertile ground.
But don’t wait. Remember a brother or sister walks wounded and you may be given the power of healing from God. All of us know that we are guilty of missing opportunities.
A tragedy or celebration may bring us to common ground and we can find time to mend wounds. These are opportunities to clear up a misunderstanding, to embrace and thaw out a frozen relationship, to forgive one another… To live for eternity is to love for eternity.”
Mark learned from personal experience that God is life and love and he taught it to others though his words and his life. Some live their lives as if there is no tomorrow. Mark lived his life, knowing there is a tomorrow, and that it is full and rich and forever. Well done, Mark, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.
INTERMENT
Wise king Solomon said this about human beings: (Ecclesiastes 3:20) - all come from dust, and to dust all return.
The apostle Peter quoted Isaiah: "People are like grass that dies away;
their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of wildflowers. The grass withers,
and the flowers fall away. But the word of the Lord will last forever."
Paul wrote: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Paul, when he was an old man, gave these words of encouragement to the young man, Timothy – “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Dear friend, Mark. You have fought the good fight of faith. Through Jesus, you now have the victory over death. You have inherited the eternal life to which you were called. Let us all do the same.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
...he always had something positive to say..."
Christine and family,
Mark was so encouraging! He always had something positive to say. I will miss him walking in late to meetings because he was coming from work. I will miss the calming effect his words had when a heated discussion happened. I will miss his e-mails and phone calls about Latino Heritage or Pasadena Latino Forum. Most of all I will miss his smile and the positive energy he had.
Daisy
...a time of transition..."
Dear Christine and Family,
Love and God will get you through this time of transition. Mark is going on to another level and we will all be catching up to him.
God Bless you all!!!
John Houston Jr.
Love and God will get you through this time of transition. Mark is going on to another level and we will all be catching up to him.
God Bless you all!!!
John Houston Jr.
"We love you so much!"
We love you SO MUCH! A beautiful tribute to Mark's life - he touched so many people as we saw at the service! Please let us know how we can help.
Love,
Dennis & Lorraine
Love,
Dennis & Lorraine
"I didn't realize HOW MUCH..."
Well,
I knew that Mark did a lot, but until today I didn't realize HOW MUCH! I feel so privileged that Mark was also an important part of what made the Business Technology Center (BTC) so successful!
Susan Prado
I knew that Mark did a lot, but until today I didn't realize HOW MUCH! I feel so privileged that Mark was also an important part of what made the Business Technology Center (BTC) so successful!
Susan Prado
"I admire you"
To Mark,
I admire you because you showed your kids how to become independent, responsible, and well-educated kids. You must be proud to see you accomplished just that. We will miss you.
Sincerely,
Lisa Lozoya (Steve Cisnero's daughter)
I admire you because you showed your kids how to become independent, responsible, and well-educated kids. You must be proud to see you accomplished just that. We will miss you.
Sincerely,
Lisa Lozoya (Steve Cisnero's daughter)
"so moved with Mark's death..."
Dear Christine,
We are so moved by Mark's death. But be assured that he is not lost. He just changed address from an earthly one to a heavenly one. We love you and will continue to pray for you.
Albert, Faith, Sam and Sophia Sosa
"Thank You" Love, Christine
Dear family and friends,
I want to communicate with so many of you who have been so wonderful to me and my family recently.
As you can imagine it has been a difficult time for us. Adjusting to the death of my dear husband Mark and father our our children is going to take some time. In addition are his parents Frank & Consuelo Leon, brother David R. Leon, sisters Angelica Rosado, Rosa Medina, Isabel Lizardo, and many other family members.
Thank you to everyone who came to the viewing on Friday afternoon. I really enjoyed seeing so many of you. Mark would have loved to greet you and give you a big hug too.
The Memorial Service on Saturday was so special for me. Mark was loved by many! The flowers were just beautiful! Thanks to all who sent them. Thanks to all the participants in the service. Soloists Linda Morgan, Angie Rosado, my dear church choir from New Hope Christian Fellowship and accompanist Phyllis Duke, Polytechnic School Choristers - what a special treat! All the music was so beautiful! Thank you Mr. Finch, Benji Logan, Sahil Shah, and Mia Fernandez for sharing special words with us. Also to all who shared memories of Mark. Thank you Pastor Pelley for being there for us through it all. Also Fred & Maryann Stevens, Larry Omasta, Larry Helscher, all the pallbearers, Roberta Martinez, and especially to my dear friend Tonita Fernandez who allowed God to work through her. She spent so much time and effort helping to make arrangements, planning the service, creating the program, and being there with me through everything! Special thanks to Jane who opened her home to us for the Repast/Reception. It was delicious! And special thanks to those who went above and beyond - you know who you are! God bless you all!
There is much business to attend to in addition to keeping up with the children's end of school activities. David is graduating from Polytechnic High School on June 5, 2008 and Daniel is graduation from Chandler middle school on June 12, 2008.
Thank you for your outpouring of love. We have received so many beautiful cards and encouraging words. In addition I am so grateful for the many love offerings that have come by way of donations. They will certainly help bridge the gap until other sources of income become available. Thanks to all who have given gifts to the children and I. They have cheered us up. Thank you to all the kids friends who have spent time with them and kept them busy while I was taking care of business. Also thank to all the great meals that have been delivered. I appreciate so much not having to cook while so busy.
Love,
Christine
Friday, May 16, 2008
"Mark was a class act...."
Angelica,
It was truly my pleasure. Mark was a class act and will be sorely missed in
our community. I have lost two of my sisters as well as a brother, and
I can tell you there is not a time when I don't think of them. There will
always be something to remind you of him but hopefully, it will bring you
comfort and not grief.
Again, my condolences to you and your family. Please do not hesitate to
call on me.
Councilmember Jacque Robinson
(626) 394-6857 cell
It was truly my pleasure. Mark was a class act and will be sorely missed in
our community. I have lost two of my sisters as well as a brother, and
I can tell you there is not a time when I don't think of them. There will
always be something to remind you of him but hopefully, it will bring you
comfort and not grief.
Again, my condolences to you and your family. Please do not hesitate to
call on me.
Councilmember Jacque Robinson
(626) 394-6857 cell
"A Hero"
A hero is a breeze that rustles the leaves on a tree. He is a fire that burns through a forest of hate. In the darkest hour, he shines through. I know someone who is my fire and my breeze that takes care of me, shining through for me and lighting my way. Throughout my life, my dad has led me the right way as my hero.
My dad is not my hero just because he is my father; He is my hero because he has devoted himself to making me a better person than he was. He went to work everyday, no matter how much he did not want to, so he can provide an education for my brother, sister, and me. All he wanted was to see his three children go to college and become independent. He would always tell my brother and me, “You guys are smarter than me!” even though we knew that was not true. When we told him otherwise, he would always bring up his childhood.
He would tell me stories of his childhood and explain how we can learn from them. When I would tell him a funny story from school, he would describe a similar time about when he experienced the same thing and what happened. We would all laugh and joke until he gets to his point. After a long sequence of stories he would tell us to go out and do something new and adventurous to learn and make the most of every day. Most of the time he just talked about what we should do to make a difference, until one day he decided to take action. That was the day he decided he would run for Pasadena City Council.
That day our lives were invited to take part in history. As we walked street by street, knocking on doors and talking to people about the elections, my dad taught me communicating skills, manners, and perseverance. During that time, he inspired me to do anything I wanted to do. Even though he tried his best to influence as many people as he could, he did not win. Because of his loss I learned the most I could have possibly learned. He taught me how to go down with a fight, the value of loyal relationships, and how to lose with honor. I took away many loving, encouraging memories from that experience because of my father.
Throughout my life, the same cycles have taken place. But I never get tired of the stories he shared so freely. They did not grow old or boring because I loved them so much and they represented my father. He was an encourager, a lover, and a pioneer for me. He was exactly that up until his last days. His love to serve was instilled in me along with many other valuable traits. My dad is my hero because he cared when everyone else didn’t have time.
Author, Daniel A. Leon
My dad is not my hero just because he is my father; He is my hero because he has devoted himself to making me a better person than he was. He went to work everyday, no matter how much he did not want to, so he can provide an education for my brother, sister, and me. All he wanted was to see his three children go to college and become independent. He would always tell my brother and me, “You guys are smarter than me!” even though we knew that was not true. When we told him otherwise, he would always bring up his childhood.
He would tell me stories of his childhood and explain how we can learn from them. When I would tell him a funny story from school, he would describe a similar time about when he experienced the same thing and what happened. We would all laugh and joke until he gets to his point. After a long sequence of stories he would tell us to go out and do something new and adventurous to learn and make the most of every day. Most of the time he just talked about what we should do to make a difference, until one day he decided to take action. That was the day he decided he would run for Pasadena City Council.
That day our lives were invited to take part in history. As we walked street by street, knocking on doors and talking to people about the elections, my dad taught me communicating skills, manners, and perseverance. During that time, he inspired me to do anything I wanted to do. Even though he tried his best to influence as many people as he could, he did not win. Because of his loss I learned the most I could have possibly learned. He taught me how to go down with a fight, the value of loyal relationships, and how to lose with honor. I took away many loving, encouraging memories from that experience because of my father.
Throughout my life, the same cycles have taken place. But I never get tired of the stories he shared so freely. They did not grow old or boring because I loved them so much and they represented my father. He was an encourager, a lover, and a pioneer for me. He was exactly that up until his last days. His love to serve was instilled in me along with many other valuable traits. My dad is my hero because he cared when everyone else didn’t have time.
Author, Daniel A. Leon
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"Leon remembered as loving family man"
By Aaron Proctor 05/07/2008
Former City Council candidate and city Planning and Transportation Commission member Mark A. Leon died Friday due to complications from a liver condition stemming from a transplant he had undergone some years ago. He was 47.
Leon, who leaves behind a wife, two sons and a daughter, was perhaps best known for running a spirited underdog campaign against a handful of candidates for the Pasadena City Council’s vacant District 1 seat in March 2007, now occupied by Councilwoman Jacque Robinson.
A mechanical design engineer by profession, Leon also served as a member of the City Charter Reform Task Force and was a graduate of the Citizen Police Academy.
Remembered by many as a warm, caring, intelligent and witty person, Leon and his family lived in Pasadena for two decades. Leon was also known for his celebrity campaign supporters San Marino residents Jane Kaczmarek of “Malcolm in the Middle” and her husband, “West Wing” actor Bradley Whitford.
“I was shocked when I got the phone call,” said Robinson. “Mark was a consummate professional throughout the campaign. He remained active and I appreciated him. He was active in many Pasadena organizations and he will be missed. I had just seen him Thursday evening at the Leadership Pasadena graduation.”
Local restaurant owner Robin Salzer, another candidate in last year’s District 1 race, and Robinson were the first to provide this reporter Saturday with news of Leon’s death, which was posted that evening on proctorformayor.com.
Leon is survived by his wife Christine, sons David and Daniel, and daughter Diana.
A viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Woods Valentine Mortuary, 1455 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Memorial services will be held at noon Saturday at Friendship Baptist Church, 80 W. Dayton St., Pasadena.
"RIP Mark Leon"
RIP Mark Leon
Comments: 1 - Date: May 3rd, 2008 - Categories: I (heart) Pasadena!
I know this is a satirical site and maybe not my place to say this - but I just found out former Planning & Transportation commissioner & District 1 Council candidate Mark Leon passed away on Thursday. He was 47 years young.
I had the pleasure of having small conversations with Mark along the campaign trail last year and enjoying his personality and humor. I also had the pleasure of sitting directly next to him during the campaign forums at the Neighborhood Church over on Orange Grove - like a week before the elections took place.
I send my thoughts, prayers and deepest of condolences to his family and loved ones.
Mark, you were a great guy with a great vision for Pasadena.
You will be severely missed.
Comments: 1 - Date: May 3rd, 2008 - Categories: I (heart) Pasadena!
I know this is a satirical site and maybe not my place to say this - but I just found out former Planning & Transportation commissioner & District 1 Council candidate Mark Leon passed away on Thursday. He was 47 years young.
I had the pleasure of having small conversations with Mark along the campaign trail last year and enjoying his personality and humor. I also had the pleasure of sitting directly next to him during the campaign forums at the Neighborhood Church over on Orange Grove - like a week before the elections took place.
I send my thoughts, prayers and deepest of condolences to his family and loved ones.
Mark, you were a great guy with a great vision for Pasadena.
You will be severely missed.
"Cranberry Juice"
Cranberry juice. My dad loved cranberry juice. I liked it too, but every time I’d try to drink some my mom would come up and say “No, that’s for you’re dad,” so I’d put it back. But every so often when I’d get really mad at him I’d sneak into the kitchen and get that bottle of cranberry juice and pour me a cup. I’d think to myself, “I may have to do my homework and finish it before eleven o’clock, but I’m gonna have some cranberry juice while I do. I know we’ve all probably had those moments of, “I’m right and they’re wrong,” but when I think about it, my dad was only doing what a father should. He’d used to tell me stories about his childhood and how his father, my grandfather, would whip him into shape, make sure he had a good education, and taught him the life lessons that nobody really wants to learn. My dad has done the same for me. I know he’s even here helping me out today. I look around and see all the people he knew and know that they’re gathered here today because of him. You know there’s that saying, “You’ve got some big shoes to fill,” well I’m actually wearing my dad’s shoes today. When I was walking up here my heels would start to pop out of the back. And, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fill these shoes, but at least I’ll be able to walk in them.
David A. Leon
David A. Leon
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
"...I'm sure he's singing now!!"
To the Leon Clan from the Olive Clan,
I knew Mark for many years, even before he and Christine were married, and in all that time I have nothing but good thoughts and memories of a kind and generous man. I will never forget his beautiful smile, especially when he and Christine were dating and eventually married. It almost covered his whole face! ;-)
He had a beautiful tenor voice and I sang with him for many years under the direction of John Schroeder. I tried many times to recruit him for the New Hope Choir, but with his career and civic opportunities which he loved dearly, not to mention family and church responsibilities, he would always say, with that same big smile, “Maybe later.”
Well, later has come, and I’m sure he’s singing now!!
Celestine Olive
Music and Worship Director
New Hope Christian Fellowship
I knew Mark for many years, even before he and Christine were married, and in all that time I have nothing but good thoughts and memories of a kind and generous man. I will never forget his beautiful smile, especially when he and Christine were dating and eventually married. It almost covered his whole face! ;-)
He had a beautiful tenor voice and I sang with him for many years under the direction of John Schroeder. I tried many times to recruit him for the New Hope Choir, but with his career and civic opportunities which he loved dearly, not to mention family and church responsibilities, he would always say, with that same big smile, “Maybe later.”
Well, later has come, and I’m sure he’s singing now!!
Celestine Olive
Music and Worship Director
New Hope Christian Fellowship
"Mark was a friend to both my dad and me."
Hello Angelica – here s a post and picture. Thanks for your efforts in putting this together. God bless, joseph
Christine and family,
Mark was a friend to both my dad and me. He was thoughtful, kind and one with whom we shared some admirable moments. If only I had pictures for all those moments. After church services a few years ago, a few of us who were chatting together went outside to look at a vintage red mustang that my dad used to own and sold to Larry Helscher who did a perfect job of restoring it to its original condition. I was looking through all my pictures just recently and came across the picture that someone took of four of us who were admiring the old mustang. Great moment of admiration are better when shared with brothers and sister who have special appreciation for one another. I look forward to the great family reunion that will occur in the fullness of God’s Kingdom when we will, with Mark admire even greater things.
Every blessing, Joseph Tkach
Monday, May 12, 2008
"Mark's beloved city"
dear An[h]elica:
great stuff. the "Spirit of Mark" = to always include the voice of the less fortunate in setting the pace for a brighter future for all citizens (how about residents?) of his beloved city.
how about taking it one step further, not just "to always include", but...
"to honestly, and with Mark's integrity, always REQUIRE the voices of those less fortunate as we together create a brighter future for all residents of Mark's beloved city."
peace, philip
Law Offices of PHiLiP E. KOeBeL
great stuff. the "Spirit of Mark" = to always include the voice of the less fortunate in setting the pace for a brighter future for all citizens (how about residents?) of his beloved city.
how about taking it one step further, not just "to always include", but...
"to honestly, and with Mark's integrity, always REQUIRE the voices of those less fortunate as we together create a brighter future for all residents of Mark's beloved city."
peace, philip
Law Offices of PHiLiP E. KOeBeL
"Mark was a disciple of Jesus"
Mark to me exemplified what we are to be as Christians. He took care of his family and taught them about the love of Jesus and he quietly and humbly served those around him wherever he had or could create an opportunity to do so. When I think of Mark, I think of the scripture from the gospel of John. Mark was a disciple of Jesus.
John13:35. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
I will miss him, but I look forward to seeing him again.
Sincerely,
Mat Morgan
John13:35. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
I will miss him, but I look forward to seeing him again.
Sincerely,
Mat Morgan
Funeral services set for Mark Leon
Funeral services set for Mark Leon
By Fred Ortega, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 05/07/2008 10:48:14 PM PDT
A viewing for former Pasadena Planning Commissioner Mark Leon will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Woods Valentine Mortuary, 1455 N. Fair Oaks. Funeral services for Leon, who died May 2 at age 47, will be held at noon Saturday at Friendship Baptist Church, 80 W. Dayton St.(Courtesy)
PASADENA - Services are set for Mark Leon, a former Pasadena planning and transportation commissioner and council candidate, who died Friday at age 47.
A viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Woods Valentine Mortuary, 1455 N. Fair Oaks Avenue. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday at Friendship Baptist Church, 80 W. Dayton St.
Leon was rushed to a hospital May 1 after suffering an unspecified "medical emergency," said city spokeswoman Ann Erdman.
"Our hearts are just breaking," she said.
Family members did not release a cause of death.
But friends said Leon had received a liver transplant about six years ago, had been hospitalized briefly last summer and underwent several blood transfusions before he died.
Leon, a more than 20-year resident of the city and a mechanical engineer by trade, had long been involved in Pasadena's civic life.
He served on the city's Transportation Advisory Commission and Charter Reform Task Force and chaired the Planning Commission, from which he had recently been termed out.
Last year, he ran unsuccessfully to replace outgoing District 1 Councilwoman Joyce Streator, citing safer neighborhoods, education and affordable housing as his top priorities.
Leon was also a graduate of Leadership Pasadena, a program dedicated to fostering the skills and experience of emerging community leaders. He had just attended the program's most recent graduation ceremony, said Erdman.
"It is just surreal for those of us who were there and talking to him," she said.
Leon is survived by his wife Christine and three children, David, Daniel and Diana.
fred.ortega@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4444Funeral services set for Mark Leon
"Servant-leadership"
Dear Christine, David, Daniel, and Diana,
I want to express my condolences to all of you as you continue to grieve the loss of your husband/father.
I would like to share a couple of thoughts with you after I attended the funeral service on Saturday.
Although I had seen Mark a few times at Chandler, I never really spent time talking with him. That is my loss. What I was struck with was the ideals for which Mark strove. They are values which I place very high in my life. First and foremost was his relationship with the Lord Jesus and God the Father. It is that relationship with God that empowered him to be the loving, caring, and concerned individual that he was.
His next characteristic which I admire and think is utmost important was his commitment to you, his family. It is obvious I have worked with David and Daniel during their years at Chandler that the boys are following in the footsteps of their father. David, your wearing your father's shoes is a more than just a practical matter. It is a sign that you want to do what he did for your family. You will continue to grow into his footsteps as you age, particularly if you stay focused on the Lord.
The next quality which was mentioned at the service and which I value highly is servant-leadership. Mark was a leader in many arenas as was mentioned. But what is more important than just the fact that he was a leader was that he modeled his leadership on the servanthood of the Lord Jesus. Mark, like Jesus, sought to serve rather than be served. He cared for people and helping them rather than being important in other people's eyes. I respect that in Mark.
I want to conclude this message with a reassurance of my thoughts and prayers for you four and the rest of your extended family. You will continue to be in my daily prayers from here on out. If there is anything else I can do for any of you, please contact me.
May the Lord Jesus, with Whom Mark now enjoys eternal life, continue to comfort you and strengthen you.
God bless all of you,
Bob Kondrath
Registrar
Chandler School
1005 Armada Drive
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-795-9314 extension 205
I want to express my condolences to all of you as you continue to grieve the loss of your husband/father.
I would like to share a couple of thoughts with you after I attended the funeral service on Saturday.
Although I had seen Mark a few times at Chandler, I never really spent time talking with him. That is my loss. What I was struck with was the ideals for which Mark strove. They are values which I place very high in my life. First and foremost was his relationship with the Lord Jesus and God the Father. It is that relationship with God that empowered him to be the loving, caring, and concerned individual that he was.
His next characteristic which I admire and think is utmost important was his commitment to you, his family. It is obvious I have worked with David and Daniel during their years at Chandler that the boys are following in the footsteps of their father. David, your wearing your father's shoes is a more than just a practical matter. It is a sign that you want to do what he did for your family. You will continue to grow into his footsteps as you age, particularly if you stay focused on the Lord.
The next quality which was mentioned at the service and which I value highly is servant-leadership. Mark was a leader in many arenas as was mentioned. But what is more important than just the fact that he was a leader was that he modeled his leadership on the servanthood of the Lord Jesus. Mark, like Jesus, sought to serve rather than be served. He cared for people and helping them rather than being important in other people's eyes. I respect that in Mark.
I want to conclude this message with a reassurance of my thoughts and prayers for you four and the rest of your extended family. You will continue to be in my daily prayers from here on out. If there is anything else I can do for any of you, please contact me.
May the Lord Jesus, with Whom Mark now enjoys eternal life, continue to comfort you and strengthen you.
God bless all of you,
Bob Kondrath
Registrar
Chandler School
1005 Armada Drive
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-795-9314 extension 205
"Mark consistently supported the growth of our technology industry"
My name is William Lyte. Mark and I were friends for many years. I knew him from the early 1980s, when he was a young aerospace engineer, and I was promoting a JPL-related organization, the Southern California Space Business Roundtable. Mark stepped in to help, and ultimately ended up as president of the organization. Later, we put together a telecommunications working group, to help foster high technology in Pasadena. That was about 1990 or so. We met at Tim Brick’s office. As our technology program expanded, Mark became a mainstay of our working group. Ultimately, he became a member of our Los Angeles County Business Technology Center, which I chaired. During that time, (1998), we began discussing the potential for Pasadena to become the center for counter-terrorism technology. This was long before September 11th. In fact we planned a conference around it, but we were before our time, as is often the case.
Mark consistently supported the growth of our technology industry, which has now become very substantial. But what I remember most about him was that he was always so cheerful. I cannot recall a time when he was ever anything but good natured, with a quiet brilliance and solid perserverence. In a world where people are dedicated to the most fleeting of ideas, Mark Leon was a constant force, ever advancing the idea that we could do better with consistent hard work. He was also deeply an American. I recall he had a tape which he carried around with him demonstrating how we as Americans had given away many of our best ideas (like the flat panel display screen) through lack of vision and creativity. I still use his comments as an example in my discussions.
We have lost a very exceptional individual. As a closing remark, many people who have worked in or around the Disney organization still say, when confronted with a problem, say, “How would Walt have done it?” I think we can say, in the same vein, when, “How would Mark Leon have done it?, and be comfortable that we would be steering ourselves in the proper direction.
Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Sincerely,
Bill Lyte
(213) 219-4120
Mark consistently supported the growth of our technology industry, which has now become very substantial. But what I remember most about him was that he was always so cheerful. I cannot recall a time when he was ever anything but good natured, with a quiet brilliance and solid perserverence. In a world where people are dedicated to the most fleeting of ideas, Mark Leon was a constant force, ever advancing the idea that we could do better with consistent hard work. He was also deeply an American. I recall he had a tape which he carried around with him demonstrating how we as Americans had given away many of our best ideas (like the flat panel display screen) through lack of vision and creativity. I still use his comments as an example in my discussions.
We have lost a very exceptional individual. As a closing remark, many people who have worked in or around the Disney organization still say, when confronted with a problem, say, “How would Walt have done it?” I think we can say, in the same vein, when, “How would Mark Leon have done it?, and be comfortable that we would be steering ourselves in the proper direction.
Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Sincerely,
Bill Lyte
(213) 219-4120
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Excerpts from the Pasadena Star-News Guest Book
May 11, 2008
Dear Christine, David, Daniel, Diana and Mr. and Mrs. Leon & Family,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
I met Mark 8 years ago at a neighborhood meeting at Pasadena Christian School. He shared with us that the city would start on making improvements to the streets so residents on wheelchairs would have an easier time to move along the streets. He impressed me and later we chatted a bit. Later on we would meet again while he served with the City of Pasadena Charter Task Reform and, again chatted with him on his thoughts to reform the public schools. Then, one day he knocked on my door to help him run for District 1, he wanted to make a difference being a councilmember. I was happy to help him.
After that, I was happy that he decided to Co-Chair the Parent & Community Engagement Committee which is a piece of the Reinvention Reform to help our local neighborhood high school, John Muir. We worked together for 3-1/2 months along a small group of parents and community members to present a plan to the Pasadena Unified School District to help Muir students and families. Mark care deeply and spent a lot of time to meet, staff, teachers and parents to hear their concerns. Mark was a remarkable man and touched many lives with his caring nature. We all going to miss him dearly but he will be with us in spirit and so we will move forward to work on helping the John Muir High School because that was our goal...
God bless his soul.
Sole Teramae (Pasadena, CA)
May 9, 2008
Mark Leon was a good man. We met on the campaign trail and I was really moved by his sincerity, his love for his family and his dedication to his public service for Pasadena. Mark set the standard as a role model for all fathers and public servants. I will miss seeing Mark at events around Pasadena.
Robin Salzer (Pasadena, CA)
May 8, 2008
A la Familia Leon,
Esposa hijos, hija y sobre todo a los padres.
Nosotros mi familia les hacemos llegar nuestras sinceras condolencias, sentimos muchisimo la gran perdida que tuvieron dentro de su familia. Personalmente lo recordare siempre al Sr. Leon, padre de mis estudiantes David y Daniel.
Amanda Vasquez Alcazar y Flia.
Amanda Vasquez Alcazar (Los Angeles, CA)
May 8, 2008
Mark was a good neighbor always concerned about the community he will be missed.
Janice Reeves (Pasadena, CA)
Dear Christine, David, Daniel, Diana and Mr. and Mrs. Leon & Family,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
I met Mark 8 years ago at a neighborhood meeting at Pasadena Christian School. He shared with us that the city would start on making improvements to the streets so residents on wheelchairs would have an easier time to move along the streets. He impressed me and later we chatted a bit. Later on we would meet again while he served with the City of Pasadena Charter Task Reform and, again chatted with him on his thoughts to reform the public schools. Then, one day he knocked on my door to help him run for District 1, he wanted to make a difference being a councilmember. I was happy to help him.
After that, I was happy that he decided to Co-Chair the Parent & Community Engagement Committee which is a piece of the Reinvention Reform to help our local neighborhood high school, John Muir. We worked together for 3-1/2 months along a small group of parents and community members to present a plan to the Pasadena Unified School District to help Muir students and families. Mark care deeply and spent a lot of time to meet, staff, teachers and parents to hear their concerns. Mark was a remarkable man and touched many lives with his caring nature. We all going to miss him dearly but he will be with us in spirit and so we will move forward to work on helping the John Muir High School because that was our goal...
God bless his soul.
Sole Teramae (Pasadena, CA)
May 9, 2008
Mark Leon was a good man. We met on the campaign trail and I was really moved by his sincerity, his love for his family and his dedication to his public service for Pasadena. Mark set the standard as a role model for all fathers and public servants. I will miss seeing Mark at events around Pasadena.
Robin Salzer (Pasadena, CA)
May 8, 2008
A la Familia Leon,
Esposa hijos, hija y sobre todo a los padres.
Nosotros mi familia les hacemos llegar nuestras sinceras condolencias, sentimos muchisimo la gran perdida que tuvieron dentro de su familia. Personalmente lo recordare siempre al Sr. Leon, padre de mis estudiantes David y Daniel.
Amanda Vasquez Alcazar y Flia.
Amanda Vasquez Alcazar (Los Angeles, CA)
May 8, 2008
Mark was a good neighbor always concerned about the community he will be missed.
Janice Reeves (Pasadena, CA)
MARK ANTHONY LEON - OBITUARY
| Mark Anthony Leon | | |
| LEON-Mark Anthony Leon, passed away May 2, 2008. Mark liked to be called a "community servant." He served Pasadena well in many capacities, including Chair of the Planning Commission, and Commissioner of the Transportation Commission in District 1. Mark is survived by his wife, Christine Virginia Leon; 3 children, David Anthony Leon, Daniel Alexander Leon and Diana Rose Leon; parents, Frank and Consuelo Leon; siblings, Angelica Rosado (Jose), David R. Leon, Rosa Medina (Luis) and Isabel Lizardo(Jose De Jesus); mother-in-law, Socorro Martinez; sisters-in-law, Sandra Velazquez and Maria Vidales; and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday. Services 12:00 noon Saturday, May 10, 2008, Friendship Baptist Church, 80 W. Dayton St., Pasadena. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery, Altadena. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mark Leon Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 94351, Pasadena, CA 91109. Woods-Valentine Mortuary , Pasadena, Directing. Published in the Pasadena Star-News on 5/8/2008. | ||
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
"I miss you my dear, sweet brother"
Olmeca, as David and I so lovingly call you. I am going to miss those family laughing sessions. Dad and David, without your twist...it will not be the same. We are so longing for the day when we will all be together again! Our Lord and Savior and the heavenly host has just welcomed into their arms a sparkling and beautiful jewel (their handiwork), all for the glory of our Heavenly Father! Put in a good word for us! Keep'em cracking up! You are in the best of loving care, my beautiful sweet brother. In eager expectation of the return of our Lord and Savior! See you in heaven!!!
Love you eternally.
Your sis,
Angelica
(Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuu)
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