Obituary of Charles Gary Leidner

Charles Gary Leidner, 83, died on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Arvada, Colorado. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends.

 

He was born in Philadelphia on January 5, 1943, to Edward and Pearl (néem Narrow) Leidner. He grew up in Burlington, New Jersey, went to Upsala College in East Orange, and headed west for law school at the University of Denver, graduating in 1969. In 1978 he was elected District Attorney of Colorado’s Ninth Judicial District. He later moved to Denver, where he spent the rest of his 52 year career as a criminal defense attorney.

 

Charles was a dedicated and talented trial attorney known for his depth of knowledge along with his sharp wit and sense of humor. He took the work seriously without ever taking himself too seriously. His colleagues as well as his clients had a deep respect for him. 

 

During his 42 years of sobriety, he mentored many not only by the example that he set, but in his support for those that needed it. There are people walking around today who wouldn’t be without him.

 

His love of travel was reignited when his younger daughter, Satya, went to Spain to study Spanish.  His love for the history, food, people and the way of life along with the friends he made there, even without speaking a word of Spanish, kept him returning year after year. 

 

He looked like Tom Selleck in his younger years, mustache and all. He was quick with a quip and slow to leave a good conversation. More than anything, he loved his daughters. He talked to Sondra and Satya on the phone frequently and was happy to hear about their lives. He instilled a love of reading in Sondra at a young age. The first book he read to her as a toddler was “The Hobbit,” and she still keeps the leather-bound copy close. He played tennis his whole life, often with Satya, who shared his love of the game and travel. They played matches and took trips together for years. He was forever his daughters’ champion.

 

Late in life, he found his way back to Trish, his college sweetheart. Their 24 years together were some of the happiest of his life. Andrea and Danielle’s kids called him Zaidy, and he answered to it with more delight than he’d admit.

 

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Pearl, and by his brother, Joel “Spuddy” Leidner. He is survived by his loving partner of 24 years, Trish Gonske; daughters Sondra (Kevin) Barr and Sarah “Satya” (Casey Post) Leidner; stepdaughters Andrea (Tony) Lusk and Danielle (Bill Penney) Machiorletti; sister-in-law Suzanne Leidner; and grandchildren Brett, Avery, Colton, Norah, and Hank.

 

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 4-7pm, in Denver, Colorado.

For details contact: Satya Leidner, tookooks@me.com

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Humane Colorado (formerly the Denver Dumb Friends League).