London Drugs' Marks dies at 58

Drug Store News, March 26, 2001 by Liz Parks

RICHMOND, British Columbia -- Former vice president of London Drugs Leonard Marks, who was battling a medical condition known as scleroderma, passed away on March 9 from pneumonia, a complication associated with his illness. He was 58.

More than 400 people attended his funeral on March 11.

Marks, who retired as vice president of London Drugs in 1999 due to health reasons, worked for London Drugs for more than 24 years. During that time he was responsible for the general merchandise, cosmetics and pharmacy divisions.

G.W. Wynne Powell, president and chief operating officer of London Drugs, said that Marks' "dedication and leadership was deeply appreciated by all who knew and worked with him."

A founding member of the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, Marks served as its chairman from 1997 to 2000 and was co-chairman of its Efficient Consumer Response for the Supply Chain Committee from 1998 to 2000.

Monika Simon, CACDS president and chief executive, called Marks' commitment to CACDS "unprecedented."

He was, she said, its longest-serving chairman, "fulfilling his duties even after he retired from London Drugs. An exemplary leader, his vision of the chain drug industry was instrumental in CACDS's amazing growth in a short period of time."

In recognition of his support, Powell said that London Drugs will establish a pharmacy scholarship at the University of British Columbia in his memory.

Marks is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Danna and Jill; sons, Alan and Mark, and his four grandchildren.

The Marks family has asked that anyone wishing to make a donation consider the Scleroderma Association, c/o Box 218, Delta Main, Delta, B.C. V4K 3N7.