January 22, 1962 – March 21, 2019
at the age of 57 years
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held in Tappen, BC at Herald Park, August 17, 2019 at 1:00 pm
It is with heavy hearts we announce the the sudden and unexpected passing of Mark at home with Angel at his side.
Mark grew up in the Cariboo and his younger years were spent on Box Hill. This is where Mark started honing his craft in the carpentry arena, and striving for perfection. Dad would settle for nothing less. Mark, dad and his brothers built and put the shake roof on the family home on the hill. Mark and dad then roofed the shakes on the now Smith Antiques in Lone Butte.
Mark attended the one room school at Flying U on Green Lake until the school closed. Then attended Lone Butte school until it closed, on to the Junior high school in 100 Mile House. He also attended college in Abbotsford for his upgrading to grade 12.
Mark’s interest in mechanics and auto body work started when he was a kid on the hill, he would find these old cars and trucks, score them for next to nothing, and dream of getting them restored. He tinkered on these for years, his dream was realized when he attended college in Kelowna and earned his certificate in Auto-Body Repair. He finished high in his class and won financial awards for his work. At the time of his passing, Mark was restoring his antique dream car in his shop in Tappen.
Mark held a variety of jobs over the years. Cooking in a Greek restaurant, silver culture, mill labourer, working in the boat building industry, auto body repair, painter, many private jobs in carpentry and auto mechanics field. He said his best and last job was working for Dimps. On a daily basis she voiced her appreciation for the work he did.
Mark enjoyed riding his motorcycles, going to stock car races, participating to crash to pass races, golfing, fishing, hunting, playing ball and always BSing over a cup of coffee with all he knew.
Having no children of his own, Mark focused his attention on his nieces and nephews and his greats. His discipline with them will always be remembered, never once having to raise his voice to have them listen intently. He always had a listening ear and most certainly let them know when he felt they were straying down the wrong path.
Mark is predeceased by his parents, Merritt and Angelina Leask, stepmom Donna Stewart, sister Marcy Ann, niece Taylor and his best friends, Chicko, Bandit, Taz , Cruiser and Star. He is survived by his brothers, Michael (Crystal), Wayne (Bonnie), Shawn (Christina), James, His sister Michele (Don) many nieces and nephews and greats, and his dog Angel.
Special mention and thanks to his Friend Noal, you were there for him when it mattered the most. Thank you!!
Rest In Peace “Creepin Jesus” Love and Miss You! Soar with the Eagles!
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held in Tappen, BC at Herald Park, August 17, 2019 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Dear Leask family,
We have never met but my husband Miles and I (Kim), were friends of Mark when we lived in Salmon Arm from 2005-2009. Mark had a heart of gold, he was very generous and kind to all. I will miss his laugh most of all. My sincere condolences, RIP my friend.