Mark Hemmingway Leland

MARK HEMMINGWAY LELAND, age 56, of Santa Rosa Beach Florida, passed away on November 24th, 2020 at his home.  Mark was born July 22nd, 1964, in Palo Alto, California.  Mark enjoyed a happy childhood, going on summer camping trips and winter ski trips with his family, and a sprinkling of international trips.  He was fortunate to have many friends growing up, and remained close over the years via social media.  

Mark attended Northwestern University, graduating with a BA in Film in 1986.  In 2006 Mark married the love of his life, Mónica Lagos Espinoza, and the couple settled in Santa Monica, CA, where they were graced to have Mónica’s daughters Catalina and Simonne in their lives.  Mark and Mónica later moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida to enjoy coastal living.  Mark was an adoring husband, best friend, and life partner to Mónica, bringing her coffee in bed, telling jokes with a big laugh, planning travels and adventures, and sharing unconditional love.  Mark was also a beloved stepfather to Simonne and Catalina, enjoying wise-cracking family movie nights with candy and ice cream that he made sure to have on hand, and he always supported them in trying to reach their dreams and goals in life.

Mark was an astute investor, often sharing insights with friends regarding his project, The Kenya Fund.  He had a fondness for animals, rescuing many quirky cats over the years, and petitioning his local government to consider creating more wildlife crossings in the Florida Panhandle.  Mark had a generous heart, contributing to many local charities wherever he lived, and establishing the website www.paylunchdebts.org, with the mission of paying off school lunch debts on behalf of children who could not.  Mark had a whimsical side, and friends and family were often amused to receive from him thrift store treasures thoughtfully chosen just for them.  Mark was a loving husband and a devoted stepfather, and a good friend to so many.  We will always carry his memory in our hearts.

Mark is survived by his wife Mónica; stepdaughters Simonne Saldivia Lagos and Catalina Saldivia Lagos and her husband James Darnbrook and their daughter Isidora Darnbrook Saldivia; parents Joan Corley and John Leland and his wife Sandra Leland; brothers Robert, Stuart, and John and their families; and many loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and stepbrothers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating via Mark’s charity, at www.paylunchdebts.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home.  To share memories, express condolences and sign the guestbook please visit, www.daviswatkins.com