Mark Williams

Nevada Division of Investigation Lt. Mark Williams died on July 8, 2024 after persevering through 12 years of the worsening effects of Parkinson’s Disease.

Before moving to Nevada Mark had worked as a police officer in San Jose, California for some 10 years from college graduation until 1979. Then after retiring in April 2000, Mark worked as a Nevada Legislative police officer during sessions 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011. Earlier in life he liked to scuba dive, travel in his reconstructed school bus/travel trailer, fix cars, build structures, play chess, train his deaf dog Zippy. As his disease became more severe he enjoyed cruises, dining, reading, chess, bird watching, concerts, walking along a path in nature, watching science and environmental programs on television with his dog Riley on his lap. He bowled, lunched, exercised, and learned about the disease with others also living with its effects.

Mark will be remembered for his perseverance in his work and throughout his life, especially once his disease became a serious problem and he fell almost daily. He will be remembered for his frugality, his love of a good deal, and a good auction, and his intelligence and curiosity. He could figure things out and fix or build things. He loved to eat, especially ice cream and frozen yogurt with lots of toppings. He was a risk taker who liked to stretch the limits.

He leaves to mourn his passing his significant other for the past 20 years, Nancyann Leeder, Esq., and her Reno family of Bob and Leanne Leeder, their five children (Carole Leeder, Nick Smith, Danielle Leeder, Samantha Rankin, Logan Leeder), their spouses/partners, and 10 grandchildren; Scott and Susan Leeder, Esq., their four children (Sierra Visser, Shane Leeder, Drew Leeder, Skyler Leeder) their spouses/partners, and two grandchildren; Alex and Paula Leeder, their two daughters, Dr. Cordelia Leeder, D.V.M., and Olivia Leeder.

He also leaves mourning his passing his family of Washington and California: son Jeffrey Williams and Dr. Eloi Hoopman, M.D., and children Alexa and Micah Williams, Charlie and Ivan Hoopman; son Christopher Williams and Amanda Williams, and their three children; sister Viki Sue Brewer and David Brewer, their three sons, Vincent and Allison Brewer, and their child, Nathan and Melisa Brewer and their child, Aaron and Nikki Brewer and their two children; brother Richard and Elaine Blair, and their three children, David and Beth Wendland and their child, and Haley and Jack Blair; and brother Jon Paul Phillips and partner Stuart Sutton.

He also leaves Fallwell cousins in Idaho, where he spent his early years with extended family: Mike and Jan Fallwell, and Sharon and Eugene Kasper, and their three children, Keri and Tony Kasper and Cami Samming.

Celebration of Mark’s life will be at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1pm. Rev. Catherine Linesch will officiate. Contributions in Mark’s remembrance may be made to Parkinson Research Foundation, PO Box 96318, Washington, D.C. 20090-6318 or Parkinson’s Foundation, PO Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603.