Posted: Tuesday, April 8, 2025. 4:31 pm CST.
By Horace Palacio: Mark Christopher Leonard, the American-born developer affectionately known as “Mr. Sweet Heat,” died on April 8, 2025, at the age of 70. He passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife, Elvina Leonard.
Leonard, a longtime resident of Belize, was a prominent figure in the country’s development landscape. He was best known as the founder of Cerros Sands, a residential community in Corozal, Belize, that grew from his vision of waterfront living rooted in sustainability and community.
Beyond his role as a developer, Leonard was remembered as a husband, father, friend, and generous neighbor. His passions ranged from offshore boat racing in his younger years to deep-sea fishing expeditions around the world. Friends say he could often be found enjoying music and a beer at Blackbeard’s, overlooking the Chetumal Bay.
Known for his larger-than-life personality and trademark t-shirts emblazoned with humorous slogans, Leonard was a fixture in the Corozal District and among the expat community. Many credit him with helping shape the area’s modern identity while staying true to its coastal charm.
“He built more than homes—he built a place where people felt they belonged,” a family friend told BBN.
Leonard’s passing leaves a void in the community he helped foster, but his legacy is expected to endure. Plans are in place to continue the work he started at Cerros Sands.
He is survived by his wife, children, and a community that now carries forward the dream he brought to Belize.
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