of Alexander, AR
October 3, 1946 - October 5, 2015
Marvin Leibovich, M.D., died on October 5, 2015. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jocelyn, Dr. Leibovich leaves behind his beloved wife of thirty-six years, L. Lee Spindler, M.D.; four sons, Joe (Christiana), Chip (Stacy), David (Jo), Josh (Gail); five grandchildren; and a brother, Louis (Susan) and niece Jocelyn.
Dr. Leibovich was one of the earliest board certified Emergency Medicine physicians in Arkansas and served as Medical Director of the Emergency Department and Chief of Emergency Medicine at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock from 1980-2005. In 1981 he developed Arkansas' first aeromedical helicopter program by obtaining the support of the Little Rock Air Force Base's helicopter squadron, Det 437th ARRS, to fly critically ill or injured patients to tertiary care hospitals. In 1984 he began a hospital based EMS helicopter program, MedFlight, which served the entire state of Arkansas.
Dr. Leibovich worked closely with Little Rock businessman, David Jones, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Gannett Foundation and numerous elected city officials to present a public utility model for Little Rock's ambulance system. Once approved by the city's board of directors, this model, which became MEMS, dramatically improved Emergency Medical Services for Little Rock and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Dr. Leibovich served for twenty-five years as Chair of the Governor's Advisory Council for EMS, and he and Dr. John Cone were the first co-Chairs of the Governor's Trauma Advisory Council.
In 2006, Dr. Leibovich became Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UAMS and received a gubernatorial appointment to the Arkansas Department of Health's Board of Health.
Dr. Leibovich was a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and served thirty-two years on its Council. He also served two terms as president of the Arkansas ACEP chapter. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the Arkansas State Medical Society, and the Pulaski County Medical Society and served a term as its president.
While treating an injured LRPD SWAT team member in 1991, Dr. Leibovich saw a need for on-site emergency medical personnel during SWAT operations. Shortly thereafter, he began participating in SWAT training and call outs. In May 1996, he graduated from the Little Rock Police Academy and worked with the LRPD SWAT until December, 2014. In 1997 he was awarded the Fraternal Order of Police's Humanitarian award for saving the life of an officer involved in a motor vehicular accident. He began working with Arkansas State Police SWAT in 2002, training with and providing emergency medical services to their team. During his law enforcement career with LRPD and ASP, Dr. Leibovich participated in joint operations with the FBI, DEA and ATF. In association with the LRPD SWAT, he tried to inspire the next generation of physicians to also participate with law enforcement by offering to UAMS residents a Tactical EMS course. Dr. Leibovich always considered it an honor and privilege to serve those who serve and protect our society.
Dr. Leibovich enjoyed spending time on the beach with family and friends, running the roads of rural Saline County and 30A in South Walton County, FL, and was an avid fan of Jimmy Buffet and other musical artists.
The family appreciates the many friends, LEOs, nurses, physicians, and Arkansas Hospice who showed him love and concern and gave him compassionate care during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Marvin Leibovich Memorial Fund, UAMS, 4301 W. Markham St., #716, Little Rock, AR 72205, or Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116.
Memorial Service will be at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, AR 72223. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., Tuesday at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211 (501-224-3800).
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88 Condolence(s)
Jimmy and Ann Leach
Monday, October 12, 2015
Marvin's son David and our son Baron were both appointed to West Point in the same class. My wife and I enjoyed the honor and privilege of adopting David for the weekend since Marvin was unable to attend. He raised a fine young man. We'll all miss you my friend. You got another pair of wings now!
Asia Crawford
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Revalation 21:3,4 says "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
Bill Alexander
Friday, October 9, 2015
It was a great pleasure knowing Marvin at University of Tennessee.
Jamie Pearson
Thursday, October 8, 2015
TY Dr L! You helped make Emergency care in Arkansas what it is today.
Louise Monday
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
I thank God for the opportunity of working with Dr. Leibovich at Baptist Health. I started working the day that Medflight started. We should all be most thankful for him helping to put it into place. He was truly one of a kind when it came to taking care of patients. My prayers are for comfort from God, to his family. He will be missed from all that knew him.
Harry Jaffe
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
I remember you as a friend from Central High School around 1964 in Memphis. Your father Joe and my father were good friends.
Dr. Tal Holmes
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
I had the privilege of serving as a faculty member of the UAMS Department of Emergency Medicine under Dr L, as we knew him. He was always supportive of his faculty and was a great teacher. We could always depend on him to provide a positive perspective. Thanks for the great experience Dr. L. - Tal
Rebecca Schug
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
He will be missed by his fellow Law Enforcement Officers. He was a great guy.
Toot Fineberg-Buchner
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
A special person in all aspects has left this earth. Marvin leaves behind a beautiful family and a host of friends and colleagues. Clark and I send our deepest sympathy to all.
Marlon J Doucet MD
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
What a legacy you've left brother. We not only shared our love of medicine but our passion to go into harms way with our brothers in arms. In one of our last conversations you told me that you were comforted that I was there to pick up the sword. I will not let you down friend and yes I will "take some time to smell the roses".
Executive Protection Detail
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." Thomas Campbell...
Doc definitely lives in our hearts and memories! Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dustin Rogers, ASP SWAT (R)
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
You and your family will never, ever know what you meant to us, your brothers. We tried to tell you and we tried to show you, but as much as we tried, we could not match your ability to show us. That is why we loved you so much. Thank you, Leibovich Family, for sharing him with us. We love you, Doc.
Charles Carty
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
I have known Dr. Leibovich for many, many years and never have I known anyone more dedicated to serve and help other than he was. Had it not been for his work in helping develop the emergency medical system he die many, many people would have lost loved ones over the years. GOD bless you Dr. Leibovich you were a blessing to all.
Jill Garrard
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
It was an honor knowing Dr. Leibovich. He will be missed by all. Lots of prayers for the family.
Retired L.R.P.D.
R.E.Blair,retired chief E.E.F.D.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Doc will be missed at all levels of emergency care, but he will always be with us when Med Flight or a M.E.M.S. unit arrives on scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Connie Gaines
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
A very special man and wonderful role model for many. He will be truly missed by the AR medical community and we appreciate all he did to better the emergency / trauma care in AR.
Thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
William Watkins
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Doc was always good to me.I cherished my time spent with him. Prayers for the family.
Glen and Glenda Hill
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
We are honored to have known you. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
Our condolences go out to the family that he loved very much.
Cynthia Lunsford
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
You will be missed, was great working with u. Prayers for your family.
Bo Plyler
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Dr. Leibovich became one of my favorite ED physicians to call on as a pharmaceutical representative. He was always eager to learn about products and was very genuine in his interactions.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and colleagues.
James Alsbrook
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
May God watch over the Leibovich Family. Marvin was always there when we needed him. A great friend to me and my family. I will always have great meomories of Doc and all the times we all had together.
Candice Floyd
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
You will be greatly missed! One of my favorite clients and I am so glad I got to keep you looking good for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Allison Dodds
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
You were amazing to work with and will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sharon Martin
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Deepest sympathy for the family and loved ones...he was loved and will be missed...may God bless each and every one of you ...we have lost another hero ...RIP Doc knowing you will be missed.
Tiffany Houston
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
DR. L !! You are one of the best Dr's I kno, I can here you saying now "when are u going to drop that baby Tiff lord girl u are getting big " he always kept me smiling and he had some good convos!! U will truly be missed!!
Meredith Lindsey ER RN
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
We have lost one of the greatest! You will be missed by so many Dr. L. I will have family in my thought and prayers.
Bob & Tammy Peters
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
It was such a pleasure to meet and get to know Dr. Leibiovich. At the marina, he was always so nice to talk to, always asking how you were. What a wonderful person, so intelligent, planning for things in the future. He has done so many things that has improved the state of Arkansas. He will be missed by so many. We pray for God's comfort to be with the family during your time of sorrow.
Sincerely, the gang from Sugar Loaf Marina.
Bobby Gilbert
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Sorrowful day for the family and the emergency family of Arkansas. Dr Leibovich was very compassionate in his work, which showed very blatantly...My prayers and thoughts for the family....
Brenda Griffin
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Marvin left us with a legacy that will be saving lives in Arkansas for generations to come.
Jeff Sheeler-ASP SWAT
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
We have lost a great friend and mentor. We will miss you DOC
Rick Wilson
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
To the Leibovich family please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace Doc.
Rick & Marti Wilson
Sandy Pryor
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Sad day for Arkansas and for the folks who had the opportunity to work with him. Truly one of a kind.
Bob Carlile
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Linda – I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ray Moreno
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Leibovich family. Doc will definitely be missed.
Leathia Garrett-Ingram
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Leibovich family. I had the opportunity to have worked with Dr L for several years at MedFlight and he taught me a lot. He will be truly missed. Everyone had great respect for him and all he did. RIP
Greg Hammons
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Prayers to friends and family.
Lana St Clair
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
He will be greatly missed! He taught me so much as a new ER nurse some 30 years ago. A great teacher, physician, and compassionate man. My prayers are with the family. May God comfort you through this difficult time.
I Kathleen Story
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Lee and sons I am so sorry to hear that Marvin's time is over. I am keeping each of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Neil Moore
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
I shall miss seeing you in the ER with your blue jeans, cowboy boots and White coat. We appreciated all you did for us nurses. You will be hard to replace. RIP.
Brandy Ballard
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
You are greatly missed. Thank you for believing in me and making sure I behaved. I will keep you in my heart.
Rose Sykes
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
The office and staff for Judge Mackie Pierce send our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends. May God comfort you during this sad time. God bless you all.
Shannon Boshears
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
What an accomplished man he was and we just called him Doc. He was a great man with a sweet soul. Your spirit will be missed. We love you, Doc.
Debra Miraglio
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
My prayers go out to the family!
Dan Johnson
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Served many years on GAC with Marv. He was a wonderful physician and gentleman. Thought and prayers go out to family. Respectfully, sheriff Dan Johnson
DAWN BAKER-SUMMONS
Monday, October 5, 2015
Thank you Dr. Leibovich for the legacy you have bestowed on Arkansas.
Brandy Poole
Monday, October 5, 2015
You will be missed. RIP. Dr. L
Joe Hennington
Monday, October 5, 2015
Thanks Dr. L. You cut quite a path sir.
Jerry Cohen
Monday, October 5, 2015
Condolences to the family of a man I can call a true friend. A man who stood up for what he believed in and backed his friends and Co workers to the end. I know I was one he backed and will always be indebted to him for all he did for me. I hope there is peace and comfort soon to his loving family.
Nisa Trenthem
Monday, October 5, 2015
Worked with Dr. L at UAMS. What a great man. Prayers to family
A Nurse
Ashley Moore
Monday, October 5, 2015
I worked for MEMS, many years ago. Dr. L was an amazing Dr. He will truly be missed!!!
Inv Patsy DeHart and Robert
Monday, October 5, 2015
Wirh all our hearts, patsy and Ret Sgt Ashdown PD Robert, Amanda Penney And brother Ar State Police SWAT, CID Pete Penney. Doc was lOved by many, Rest in the arms of the Angels
Renee Richmond
Monday, October 5, 2015
R.I.P. Doc.
Capt. Angela Bain (MEMS) & Sgt. Michael Bain (ASP); Sydney & Colli
Monday, October 5, 2015
You will be dearly missed. You taught us both so much and we're always there for us and our children. Thank you for all that you have done for us and all you have been for us. You meant more to me than I could ever tell you. I hope you knew!!!
Asst. Chief Hayward Finks
Monday, October 5, 2015
Dr. Leibovich is appreciated for his outstanding service and dedication to the LRPD. He will be missed.
Judy Bethea
Monday, October 5, 2015
Prayers go up to the family. He was so good to those associated with the SWAT LR team. He touched so many lives in his time on our earth, but know he is smiling down on each of you.
Allen Hamby
Monday, October 5, 2015
Lee and family,
I was introduced to Doc as a young Swat Supervisor in 2001 and knew he was an asset to our unit and department. I fought to keep him a part of us and never regretted it one bit. My family will truly miss him and came not say enough thank you's to him and his family for he did for us
Allen Hamby and family
Deb Black Koch
Monday, October 5, 2015
Linda, I was saddened to read Chuck's post about your husband's death. So much heartache so soon after your sweet mom. Praying for God's strength and peace.
Lance Hopper
Monday, October 5, 2015
Sorry to hear about Dr. Marvin Leibovich.
My prayers be with you all at this time.
Lance Hopper.
Evelyn Sims Coley
Monday, October 5, 2015
Such a kind man. I worked with him in Baptist ER.
Erica Brudjar
Monday, October 5, 2015
Dr. L was always so caring and respectful to me as a person and as a nurse. He always had my back! Truly a great person and will be dearly missed.
Jessie Burchfield
Monday, October 5, 2015
Deepest sympathies to all of the family. You will be in my prayers.
Duwane Bentley
Monday, October 5, 2015
I'm retired from LRFD. I have always heard great things from my daughter who is with MEMS.
Lori Stidham
Monday, October 5, 2015
We are going to miss you, Doc. RIP, my friend! The fight is finally over!!
Jannet Short
Monday, October 5, 2015
RIP Dr.L. Thank you for all you did, you will be missed
Gigi Kerr
Monday, October 5, 2015
Sending prayers. I was fortunate enough to have worked with him at UAMS in the ER. He was always rock solid. He'll be greatly missed
Reginald and Patricia Ridgell
Monday, October 5, 2015
Doc was an amazing man. He took care of his "boys" on the SWAT team. He was loved and will never be forgotten. Your family is in our prayers.
Reginald and Trisha Ridgell
Lynda Jo Palmer
Monday, October 5, 2015
Rest In Peace Marvin!
James Harrison
Monday, October 5, 2015
The Leibovich and Spindler families are in our prayers!
James & Cindy Harrison
John&Marcia Glascock
Monday, October 5, 2015
So sorry for your loss
MEL Norris
Monday, October 5, 2015
Rip Dr L
Martie Savage, R.N.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Marvin was such a great mentor to so many myself included at Baptist ER 92-96 prayers for the family.
Matt and Tami Thomas
Monday, October 5, 2015
God speed Doc.
Shelley McCarty
Monday, October 5, 2015
Doc was a good friend of the LRPD. He will be missed.
Stacy Wrigh
Monday, October 5, 2015
Thoughts and prayers from all of the North Central Trauma Advisory Council, he served the whole state with great pride and leadership.
Pete Penney
Monday, October 5, 2015
Shelia Taylor
Monday, October 5, 2015
I learned a lot working with Dr. L. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great inspiration to anyone in the field of EMS/Trauma and he will be missed.
Bart McCoy
Monday, October 5, 2015
There is no Physician like a true friend. Anonymous
Dr. L was a true friend to one and all. He will be missed!
Amy Vance
Monday, October 5, 2015
I am so blessed to have worked with Dr L. What a wonderful teacher and fun doc! Praying for all of you! May God bring you peace that passes all understanding.
Barry and Joni Baker
Monday, October 5, 2015
We continue to lift you and yours up to our Father. Mercy and peace.
Danny Price
Monday, October 5, 2015
We on earth might have lost a very good Phys
But Heaven has gained an Angel
Thoughts and prayers are with the family and many many friends God be with you.
Marzella Backus
Monday, October 5, 2015
Dr.L was a great man and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for his family.
Keith Eremea
Monday, October 5, 2015
An awesome man that I had the honor of working with and laughing with from the early 80's.....I was involved in two accidents on duty, and always said take me to Baptist ! I had the honor of being the first trooper to use Baptist Medflight.....you will be missed and never forgotten my friend!
Frank Schultz
Monday, October 5, 2015
Condolences on his passing.
Connie Gunter
Monday, October 5, 2015
'Twas an honor and a privilege to work beside you, Sir; and, a a humbling experience to get to know the man whom commonly donned a LEO Shield, stethoscope, gun and cowboy boots on a daily basis. May you rest in peace and know the depth of your impact upon each of us.
Greg & Anita Hall
Monday, October 5, 2015
Marvin touched our lives and so many ways. He was such a good man and always thought of others first. He was such a leader, kind, and one of the most generous men we have ever known. We will miss him greatly but he will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you Lee and your family. May God give each of you peace during this difficult time.
Lynsey Mitchell and Ted Miller
Monday, October 5, 2015
Joe and Lee, we are so sorry to hear about Marvin. I know how long he has been so strong. Lee, thank you so much for your friendship to my grandparents. They loved you both so much. Sending much love from Memphis.
Paula Smith
Monday, October 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers to family and friends. A great man gone too soon.
Julia Ponder
Monday, October 5, 2015
Dr L while you may be gone from this earth, your legend remains in the heart of so many individuals that you have touched. It was an honor to be one of those people who got to know you not only professionally, but personally.
Lee, know I am here if there is ever anything I can do for you. As L said, you are an "angel" and I am glad that I got to know you.