John Allen Leonard

Leonard, John Allen

John Allen Leonard, a man of many talents and a heart as big as the open road, has taken his final journey. Born in the heartland of Lincoln, Nebraska, to Joan F. Leonard and Donald E. Leonard, he inherited a love for adventure from the start. John's story is one of love, laughter, and a taste for the finer flavors of life.

He was a loving husband to his childhood sweetheart, Gaye (Peterson), and together they shared a remarkable 41-year marriage that bloomed like a Texas bluebonnet in spring. Their union brought forth three sons, Bryce, Jim, and Will, who were the true treasures of his life.

John was a man of the great outdoors, with a passion for the wide-open spaces of the Southwest. When he wasn't busy practicing law, you could find him traversing rugged landscapes, capturing the essence of the world through his camera lens. He had a knack for turning a simple road trip into an unforgettable culinary adventure, sampling every delicious morsel along the way, often accompanied by his three sons and two brothers, Bill and Jim Leonard.

John's journey in the legal world began in Fresno, California, but his path eventually led him to the Mile High City, Denver, in 2000. For 23 years, he dedicated his legal expertise to the esteemed firm of Fairfield and Woods. John led technology enterprises in all stages of their legal and business endeavors. John was Chairman of the Board at Innosphere, a science and technology incubator that assists Colorado-based startups.

A true Renaissance man, John was an Eagle Scout, as well as a scholar with degrees in finance and law from the University of Nebraska and a Master's of International Business from the American Graduate School of International Business in Glendale, Arizona. While attending school in Arizona, he worked the soil in the garden of Professor Duarte, a mentor and friend.

John's love for teaching was as deep as his love for family. He led his sons' cub scout troop with dedication and patience, imparting wisdom and instilling values. He passed on his skills, teaching his sons to ski, fish, and master the art of grilling a tri-tip to perfection. His willingness to teach extended to his professional relationships, an example of which is provided by Gil Selinger of Fairfield and Woods: "His mentorship of me for the last 13 years made me the
lawyer I am today. I don't know how I'll practice without his sage advice, sarcastic quip, or reminder that some things just don't matter."

Services to celebrate John's remarkable journey will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 600 Gilpin Street in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, October 27th, at 11:00 am, with a light-lunch reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Virtual service will be available upon request.

John's road may have reached its end, but his spirit will forever wander the open spaces he loved so dearly and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. One of his favorite records was Willie Nelson's One for the Road (with Leon Russell). A line from the track Don't Fence Me In encompasses John's true sense of adventure and appreciation of the American West: "I want to ride to the ridge where the west commences/ Gaze at the moon till I lose my senses / I can't look at hovels and I can't stand fences / Don't fence me in".

Preceded in death by his parents, John leaves behind his wife Gaye, sons Bryce (Lindsey), Jim (Betsy) and Will, brothers Bill (Chris) and Jim (Amy). He also leaves behind five grandchildren (Charlie, Olivia, Theodore, Remi, Henry), nieces Katie, Laura (Danny), Grace and nephews John and McRae, father-in-law Jim Peterson, brothers-in-law Ron & Craig (Mavic). John is also leaving behind a host of lifelong friends.

In keeping with his love for nature, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his fund at the Denver Botanic Gardens, where his memory will forever bloom, much like the wildflowers he cherished on his travels.

Link to donate
botanicgardens.org/tribute-memorial-gifts