Donald Glenn Leidig

1936 - 2011

It is with loving memories that we say goodbye to Donald Glenn Leidig. He was born on May 21, 1936 in the small town of Gladstone, Oregon. At the age of three he moved to California where he attended school in Carmel. In high school he lettered 11 times due to a love of sports and a determination to have as many letters as his father. That determination was also applied to his studies. In 1954 he accepted his high school diploma and a four-year scholarship to UCLA from his father who was a member of the school board at the time. This was a proud moment for both of them. At UCLA Don's sense of fun and adventure quickly led him to join the Phi Delta Thetas. His fraternity brothers and he had many escapades (reminiscent of the movie "Animal House") which led to several lifelong friendships. His Phi Delta brothers remember best his fighting spirit and his sense of integrity. During his college years Don had several odd jobs but one of his favorites was working as an extra or a stage hand on many Hollywood movies. These movies included "Spartacus", "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and "Can-Can". In 1963 he met Dwan who was to become his wife of 40 years. He taught her how to dance for a movie camera and she was his favorite dance partner from then on. After graduating from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in Economics, Don went to work for Xerox. There his honesty, determination and good heart led him to a successful career and several good friendships. He retired as national account manager. In 1992 he and his father built the Plaza San Carlos in Carmel by the Sea. He spent the remainder of his years maintaining and managing this beautiful building and traveling with his wonderful wife. He was particularly fond of the Islands, especially Maui where his only child was married. Donald Leidig is survived by many good friends; his wife, Dwan Leidig; his mother, Marian Leidig; his daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Dan Sears; and his granddaughter, Regan Leidig-Sears. All of us loved, respected and admired him and I have it on good authority that he is now with his Dad, probably talking about politics and waiting patiently for his favorite dance partner to come and join him. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.