Mark H. Leavitt

Mark H. Leavitt, 74, of Turner, died at his home on October 2, 2025, following a long illness and with his loving family by his side. Born in Lewiston on October 10, 1950, he was the son of Merton C. and Ruth Goss Leavitt. Educated locally, he worked on farms his entire life. He married the former Susan Benway on June 24, 1978.
They also cared for many animals together, including milking and beef cattle, rabbits, pigs, chickens, sheep, and goats. Mark especially loved horses, and even taught his son Seth to ride before he could walk. Seth was a natural in the saddle, just like his dad. Mark rode trails all over Turner, and rode in a few parades in Lewiston and Auburn.
As a family they enjoyed camping, as long as it was "off the ground sleeping," taking many trips with the kids right up until Susan retired in 2016.
He also loved to take long drives, especially day trips to New Hampshire and the mountains in the spring and the fall.
Mark's world was brightened when his granddaughter Joshlyn was born, they always had a special bond together, as he did when Kloe came along. Eventually, the family grew to include seven granddaughters and two grandsons. He loved them all intensely, and was always interested in what was going on in their lives.
For the last 15 years Mark had a variety of health issues. He handled each problem well and continued on with his family life. This past year and a half was especially hard on him. Mark was in and out of the hospital and rehab. He and Susan had a long talk about what quality of life he wanted, and the most important thing to him was to be in his home, even with death nearby. His life ended the way he lived it; on his own terms, and surrounded by those he loved and who loved him.
Mark is survived by his beloved wife; their son, Seth, and his wife, Elizabeth, along with their children, John, Harley, Joshlyn, and Kloe; and his stepson, William Bean, and his wife, Lisa, and their children, Kayla, Kaitlyn, Taylor Rose, Lauren, and Emily. He is also survived by two great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Peter, and Peter's wife, Eva.
The family will gather privately to celebrate his life.