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Leif Marwede Obituary
A gifted percussionist, Leif's love for music began early. He spent many formative summers studying at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Starting at just 12 years old, he went on to participate in Drum and Bugle Corps until the age of 21, performing with the Saginaires, Phantom Regiment, and Blue Devils. Among his proudest accomplishments were four DCI World Championships, one as a performer with the Blue Devils in 1986, and three as an instructor with the Cavaliers in 1992, 1995, and 2000.
Leif was a proud Michigan State Spartan, graduating in 1988 with degrees in Computer Science, Robotics, and Music. He was also a dedicated member of the Spartan Marching Band Drum Line, a testament to his lifelong passion for music and percussion.
Professionally, Leif began his career in software development as a video game designer, where his creativity and technical skills shone with companies such as Disney, Mattel, MCA Universal, Marvel Comics, and Incredible Technologies. He also served as Capcom's on-set representative for Street Fighter The Movie, produced by Sony Pictures. Later in his career, he transitioned into hospitality, becoming the General Manager of the Hi-Scores bar-arcades and the CEO & Technical Director of The Stirling Club, an exclusive private social club in Las Vegas.
Leif lived a life of music, creativity, gadgets, and technology. Known for his big smile and booming voice, he was loved by all who knew him. His spirit will live on in every beat, every note, and every memory. He will always be remembered for his signature phrase: 'For you my friend, the world'.
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David Griffore
May 28, 2025
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.
Jason Kae-Smith
May 15, 2025
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.
Janine Bradbury
May 9, 2025
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.
Kathy Bovenschen
May 8, 2025
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.
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deana marie kirsch
May 8, 2025
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.
Andrew Adams
May 8, 2025
I crossed paths with Leif for a few years in Vegas. Such a kind and generous man. I miss you.
Todd Hubert
May 8, 2025
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.
Roxy Henshaw
May 8, 2025
Love you my dear friend. Miss you every day.
Paul Matthew Lopez
May 8, 2025
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
Kaye (Gallagher) DeBlieck
May 7, 2025
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.
Frank Iglesias
May 7, 2025
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.
Cory
May 7, 2025
I hate to hear this. I learned so much from him with our time together at Atlanta CV. An amazing musician and person.
Bret Kuhn
May 7, 2025
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
Ondraus Cissell
May 7, 2025
Leif,
I am blessed to know you !! I always will be !!
REST IN PEACE !!
SUTA !!
CAPT Shannon Adams, USN
May 7, 2025
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 !
Kevin Murray
May 7, 2025
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.
Brad Woll
May 7, 2025
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.
Hans Muer
May 7, 2025
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
James Pecora
May 7, 2025
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.
Mike Doremus
May 7, 2025
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.
Jon de Silva
May 7, 2025
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.
Paul Gansemer
May 7, 2025
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.
Brad Halls
May 6, 2025
Wow. No words. You will be missed.
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