Leif Marwede

I knew Leif for a very short time when we both marched with the Saginaires. I remember him as an intelligent person with a natural gift for percussion and music. Sadly, he was someone I haven't seen or heard about for well over 45 years. So sorry to his daughter's for their loss. It would appear he was a multifaceted/multi-talented human being who left an indelible and positive mark on many hearts. May the Lord be a source of comfort to all who love and miss Leif.

During my junior year of high school, I traveled weekly to East Lansing for lessons with Leif. He had a way of "witnessing" my progress that kept me encouraged, inspired and motivated. I always left with the ability to dream up new possibilities for myself, and not just as a musician. He likely touched countless lives in the same way. And I suppose sometimes, the stars that burn the brightest don´t also get to be the ones that burn the longest.

I am so saddened to hear that Leif has passed! He was a good friend from grade school to college. What an incredible drummer he was! Always smiling, too. I remember him saying in high school "Let's go to Jan's house, there's always something to eat there!"
I've thought about him through the years and will miss him.

Saddened and shocked to hear of my friend Leif´s passing. You were the first percussionist whose drumming skills truly blew me away. I treasure our times together in the SMB and will never forget the creativity and fun you brought to all your performances. You were always trying to put a smile on our faces (and make me blush). I still remember the nickname you bestowed on me. You will be missed, my friend.

Even years after our brief interactions, he still remembered me and would reach out to connect over our shared love of musical theater. That kind of warmth and thoughtfulness is rare. He left a mark on my soul, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I´m so grateful our paths crossed. My deepest condolences to all who loved him.

I crossed paths with Leif for a few years in Vegas. Such a kind and generous man. I miss you.

As his older first cousin, I doubt that Leif knew he was a little bit of a hero to me. Incredible artist, friend and cousin. At my son's school conferences, the band director got talking about Drum and Bugle corp. I mentioned my cousin. Said Leif's name to his reply, "YOU are Leifs COUSIN"? Didn't know whether to be scared or honored. "HE REINVENTED THE DRUM LINE AT MICHIGAN STATE, he is an icon at the university". Did not know but was able to relay that story last year when we reunited for a phone call! Glad I did. RIP, Cuz. Say hey to your parents, mine, and Craig, and all those "up there". You are already missed.

Love you my dear friend. Miss you every day.

I´m glad you were my friend Leif, and thanks for the kindness you showed to everyone but especially us odd balls. I won´t forget you.

Paul M. Lopez

I am very sad to hear about Leif. We marched together with the Saginaires. He was very nice and a wonderful drummer. All my condolences to his family.

Had the honor of knowing life as a college age student at Cavaliers and then hang out with him in Atlanta numerous times. Such a tremendous musician and a great guy to just chat with. Loved having work with my students and there was always something to be learned when he was around. Gone way too soon. Rest in peace.

I hate to hear this. I learned so much from him with our time together at Atlanta CV. An amazing musician and person.

I'm grateful for having known Leif and enjoyed his friendship and support over the years. I was the beneficiary of incredible knowledge and dedication from Leif. My condolences to the family and all loved ones. Rest in peace my friend

Leif,
I am blessed to know you !! I always will be !!

REST IN PEACE !!
SUTA !!

I´ll never forget watching Leif walking into individuals competition at DCI in a Northern Aurora uniform. Yawns in the audience ... he proceeded to full-on crush `Mac the Knife´ on quints (along with a few seemingly impossible rudiments) ending emphatically, he stormed out of the room (audience now sitting in stunned silence) Jaws on the floor. I thought to myself, this guy is fearless!

Leif, you´ll be missed by so many Drum Corps brother & sisters and Spartans, whose lives you touched and changed forever. SUTA my friend !

Leif and I roomed in 1986 at Blue Devils. He was a great drummer and human, always passing along some wisdom to the less experienced in the group. A great performer and role model. Rest in peace, Leif.

Thank you for your friendship and guidance and for giving us drummers in the marching world the resources to achieve at a high level. Your influence on me helped to shape my respect and love of the art. Love to you and your family.

I am saddened to hear of Leif´s passing but l´m more saddened l didn´t get to say to him what an inspiration he was to me with percussion in high school. He was a good friend to those in need during those times too. To this day, the best percussionist I´ve ever known.... Goodbye my friend

Leif, many memories of my formative year, riding in the wake of you and other giants that blazed a path a couple/few years before. It was an honor to be there, and interact for a period - we always said 'hey' and caught up as life went on and we crossed paths. Thank You for inspiring.

I remember walking up to the front doors of the Saginaires corps hall for the very first time in 1982 only to have Leif standing in the doorway blocking my way.

As a scrawny (I think) 7th grader he scared the bejesus out of me. I´ll never forget that feeling.

Years later he became one of my instructors.

Such a talented guy gone way too soon.

This is a shock. We performed together with the 1983 Phantom Regiment and you instructed our percussion section with the 2004 CorpsVets. I am grateful for the good memories. Rest easy, brother.

Leif, we will miss you and treasure the time we had with you. I am glad to have had the honor to get to know you in `86. May you rest in peace.

Wow. No words. You will be missed.