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BORN
1925
DIED
2021
Mark Litchman Obituary
April 14, 1925 - September 8, 2021
Tacoma, Washington - On September 8, 2021 Mark Leonard Litchman, former Washington state legislator and attorney, passed away peacefully at age 96. Mark grew up in Seattle and attended Roosevelt High School. Mark's parents (attorney Mark Litchman Sr. and Sophie Litchman, RN) were deeply committed to public service and activism, which greatly inspired Mark and his sister, Jean Litchman Trapido.
A natural born athlete, Mark excelled at football and baseball, and was privileged to play for legendary coach, Amos Alonzo Stagg, while at University of the Pacific.
In WWII Mark served as a US Navy officer, then earned his B.A. and law degree at University of Washington. He was an attorney and Judge Pro-Tem.
Drawn to public service, Mark served 18 years (1955-1973) as a legislator (Democrat) in the Washington State House of Representatives. He represented King county's 45th district.
When first elected in 1955, Mark and colleague Leonard Sawyer, were the youngest representatives ever elected in Washington state. Mark was House Majority Leader in 1961, and Assistant House Minority Leader 1967-1969. In 1960, Mark and his wife, Claire, were delegates to the national Democratic convention. Claire cast her vote for Adlai Stevenson, and Mark cast his vote for JFK.
Post-legislature, Mark was a Deputy Insurance Commissioner from 1973-1977. His diverse background included real estate development, and he also founded a non-profit holistic health organization.
Mark was dearly beloved by Claire (married 72 years) and their daughters, Marlene, Cheryl, and Bambi.
Mark was keenly intelligent, friendly, funny, generous, and kind. He had a positive good nature, wonderful smile, and is greatly missed.
Life celebration to be scheduled. For details email: [email protected]
Survivors include: daughter, Bambi Lin Litchman, son in law, Mike Boggess, and nephews: Paul and Nicholas Trapido.
Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to all at Franke Tobey Jones in Tacoma, and Franciscan Hospice. Remembrance donations appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Litchman
3 Entries
susan miller
September 30, 2025
I knew Mark, Claire and Marlene in Honolulu. I spent time with all three at various time in Kaimuki and Waikiki supporting Marlene (Monday Light) in pursing her amazing art talent. Mark was the legislative brains with other state legislators behind the creation of Evergreen State College (now university). Both Claire and I earned bachelor degrees at Evergreen. Mark was an amazing man, husband father. I was a witness and beneficiary of his brilliance and caring self. He and Claire contributed to the university of Hawai´i foundation for medical research and on behalf of WWII nurses research. They cared so much for their children and Mark contributed so much to the state of Washington as well as Hawai´i nei.
Robin
March 7, 2022
Rest In Peace
Mark and his wife Claire were my landlords in 1984-87. They were both very caring and thoughtful people. I remember Mark and Claire at my door bearing gifts when my first child was born. I have my own rentals now and try to practice the same kindness and generosity that Mark and Claire showed my family.
The Gross Family - Deb, Sandy, Happie, David
March 4, 2022
Bambi -
We remember your father, and family, with great affection. May your father's memory be a blessing.
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