Last updated on: December 9, 2025
Mark Leonard was the late father of NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard. Away from media attention, he lived a quiet life, but his influence on Kawhi’s character proved very strong. The lessons Mark taught and instilled in Kawhi through example, as well as his hard work and love for his children, remain very much alive in Kawhi’s life and career today.
Quick Facts About Mark Leonard
| Full Name | Mark Leonard |
| Birthdate | 1964 |
| Occupation | Car wash owner, entrepreneur |
| Husband/Wife | Kim Robertson |
| Died | 2007 |
| Age | 43 years old at the time of death |
| Parents | Names not known |
| Siblings | Not known |
| Children | 5 children: Kawhi Leonard (son), Kimesha Williams, Miesha Slayton, two other daughters (names not known) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Background
Mark Leonard was born and raised in California, and he worked hard to build his life rather than through the path of fame. People described him as determined, disciplined, and focused. He believed that respect is earned through effort, not words. This ethos had been his guide throughout his life and the lives of his children.
Mark valued family deeply, and though life got hard, he remained active in his children’s lives. His influence would later materialize through Kawhi’s nature: calm, collected, and disciplined.
Family and Relationship With Kawhi Leonard
Mark Leonard and Kim Robertson, Kawhi’s mother, separated when Kawhi was five years old. After the split, Kawhi lived primarily with his mother in Moreno Valley, California. Still, Mark remained close to his son and stayed active in his life.
Kawhi was the youngest among five siblings. When he spent time with his father, he also bonded with half-brothers Cameron and Marcus. They often shared basketball, training, and spending long hours working on their moves together.
Mark believed in teaching by example. He did not talk much about dreams, but rather showed what commitment looked like through actions.
Owning a Car Wash and Teaching Work Ethic
Mark Leonard owned a car wash in Compton, California. This business was more than a job; this was a classroom for life lessons. Kawhi helped his father there during weekends and summer breaks.
It was not easy to wash cars, for it required patience, effort, and consistency. Mark wanted his son to understand the value of hard labor. These early experiences helped Kawhi stay humble even after reaching the NBA.
Many point to Kawhi’s quiet personality. That calm and focused style reflects the lessons he learned beside his father.
Support for Kawhi’s Basketball Journey
It was Mark Leonard who strongly supported Kawhi’s love for basketball, often helping him to practice and improve. For them, it was more than basketball; it was a development of discipline and confidence.
Even after their separation, Mark never stepped back from his fatherly duties. He would attend the games and be present at every significant moment. He kept Kawhi on the right path during his days at Riverside King High School.
Tragic Death in 2008
Mark Leonard’s life ended in tragedy on January 18, 2008. He was 43 years old at the time of his death. He had closed the car wash early that evening so he could attend Kawhi’s high school basketball game.
One afternoon, while at the Compton car wash, Mark was shot multiple times and died. The community was shocked. Up to date, no one has been arrested or confirmed to have a motive for the killing.
He was just 16 years old when he first heard the news about his father’s death. Kawhi had received the news from his sister. The passing made him very sad, but he continued to move forward.
READ ALSO: Kawhi Leonard Net worth, Age, Partner, Family, Facts & More
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Kawhi played his next game soon after the tragedy, where he recorded high points. Other than stepping away, he had turned grief into focus. That was the beginning of how Kawhi handled pressure all his life.
Mark Leonard’s legacy lives on through his son’s actions. Kawhi’s discipline, humility, and quiet strength reflect the values his father taught him. Each championship, every milestone, carries a part of Mark with him. Though Mark Leonard is no longer alive, the lessons he taught stay strong. Via Kawhi Leonard, his memory continues to inspire millions around the world.
