Mark Lesley Farmer

Mark Lesley Farmer, California artist and advertising executive, died in Los Alamitos on June, 4, 2009, after a short illness. Mark Farmer was born in Palo Alto in 1933. His parents, Edward and Mabel, both artist teachers, encouraged his lifelong interest in art. At Stanford, he majored in art, graduating in 1955. There he edited the Chaparral, and continued as a lifelong member of Hammer and Coffin. After Navy service, he studied at the Art Students League in New York City. Farmer worked on Madison Avenue for 10 years, and then moved with his family to Chadds Ford, Penn., where he focused on direct marketing in the Philadelphia area with the Franklin Mint and Liberty Mutual.

In 1983, Mark and his family moved to California, settling in Marin County. After working at Ketchum and J. Walter Thompson, he retired from advertising to devote himself full time to painting. In 1999, the Farmers moved south where Mark joined several artist groups involved in the plein air movement. A member of the Religious Society of Friends, Mark served as meeting clerk and worked on social issues until his death. He will be remembered for his creativity, sensitivity and generosity of spirit. He is survived by his wife Lesley and son Christopher; by three children from his first wife Priscilla Umbers: Frederick of Sarasota, Fla., Lars of Wilmington, Del., and Hope of Santa Rosa; five grandchildren; and two brothers: Andrew of Bellingham, Wash., and Edward of Minneapolis. He will be buried at Fernwood in Mill Valley.

A memorial meeting and a celebration of his life are being planned. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to the Friends Committee on Legislation of California (1225 Eighth St., Sacramento, CA 95814).