Mick Leighton

Born in Wray, Colorado on September 9, 1947 to the late Doris Jean Anderson and Samuel Benny Leighton, Mick was the eldest in a family of four. A caring and fun sibling, Mick grew up on the family sheep ranch in eastern Colorado, learning the values of hard work and developing his notoriously dry sense of humor early on.

After graduating from Wray High School, Mick proudly answered the call to serve his country. From 1965 to 1969, he served as a Corpsman with both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marines. He went on to attend the University of Northern Colorado , where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). He worked as a nurse before completing Physician Assistant school in Utah. His passion for medicine and service continued throughout his civilian life. For decades, he was a cornerstone of medical care in Loveland, Colorado, working as a Physician Assistant at McKee Medical Center, where he was deeply respected for taking exceptional care of his patients. Beyond his medical career, Mick also protected his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Loveland Fire Department.

On August 1, 1987, Mick married Debbie, at the First Christian Church in Loveland, Colorado, beginning a beautiful 38-year journey together. Mick was a devoted husband and partner. Together, they happily blended their families, which included Mick's daughters, Tina and Michelle, and Debbie’s daughter, Wendy. Mick was an involved and supportive parent, connecting deeply with his children over the years. He and Debbie resided in Loveland, Colorado until 2023, when they relocated to Summerfield, Florida.

While living in Loveland, Mick fully embraced his diverse passions, which included golfing, playing billiards, and proudly tending to his Alpaca ranch and fiber processing mill. He was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Loveland Fire Department, the Alpaca Association, and the Associated Veterans of Loveland. In 2023, Mick and Debbie relocated to Summerfield, Florida, where he quickly plugged into the community as a member of the Veterans Association of Del Webb, the VFW of Belleview, and the Belleview Eagles.

Mick leaves behind his beloved wife, Debbie Leighton; their daughters, Tina Leighton and Wendy Johnson (Jason) ; his grandchildren, Tyler Leighton, Devlin Schumacher (Matt), Zylee Anderson, and Kenzie Anderson; and his great-grandson, Rowyn Schumacher. He is also survived by his siblings, Terry Leighton of Lodi, California, Benny Leighton (Kris) of Loveland, and Carol Jean Chirito (Rick) of Pueblo, Colorado; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, and close friends. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Michelle, who passed away in January 2023; his sister-in-law, Debbi Leighton; and Tina and Michelle’s mother, Mick’s first wife, Sharon Jeurink.

A Memorial Service will be held for Mick on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 1pm at Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado, after which he will be honored with a Military Graveside Service. Please join his family, following his service, for a light reception and a time of fellowship and remembrance. Cremation entrusted to Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Ocala, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mick’s memory are encouraged to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and VFW Post 41 in Loveland.