Alfred "Al" Samuel Leger

Alfred S. Leger, 93 years old, went to his eternal heavenly home Saturday, February 15, 2025, from complications due to cardio-vascular disease. He was at Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Loveland, Colorado. 

He was the patriarchal pillar of strength for the whole family, a man of faith, of action and conviction, of wisdom and integrity, with a passion for humor and mischievousness. 

Al was born on a farm in Dalton, Nebraska November 18, 1931, during the Great Depression to Earl N. and Mildred M. Leger. Along with working on the farm, he was active in Boy Scouts, 4-H, marching band, and sports, mainly football and basketball.  He joined the Army Reserves his senior year of high school. Upon graduation in 1949, he and his family moved to Loveland, Colorado where he completed 1 year of studies at Colorado State University, then named Aggies.  During that year he met his future wife Melva Jeanne Whiteside at a church function. They were married 66 years until Jean’s death in 2017. 

Al and Jean moved to Denver where he worked as a building contractor. They welcomed son, Andrew in 1954, and daughter, Susan in 1956. Al was involved in many notable building projects, namely: two family residences, Faith Evangelical Church in Aurora, and condominiums in Breckenridge. 

Al was an avid hunter and sportsman.  He loved nature and the family enjoyed many camping and backpacking trips.  He and Jean alone hiked a good portion of the Colorado Trail.  While on active duty in Ft. Riley, Kansas he bought a motorboat, joining other families for weekends of boating and waterskiing.  Our family spent many hours at Cherry Creek Reservoir and Carter Lake, perfecting our skiing techniques.   

Al was a member of Faith Evangelical Church in Aurora where he was an elder and served on the building committee. He and Andy were active in the church’s Boy Scout troop where Al was scoutmaster for several years. 

Al and Jean were die-hard Bronco fans for many years, purchasing season tickets and attending every game and even a few of the Bronco’s Super Bowls. 

Al continued to serve in the Army National Guard Reserves one weekend a month and two weeks at summer camp.  He served with the 168th Field Artillery Battalion, the 121st Signal Corps Battalion and the 140th Signal Battalion (Combat Area).  He retired in 1970 with the rank of Major and 21 years of service. 

Al received his private pilot’s license in 1972. He and Jean flew to many destinations, mainly to Manzanillo, Mexico where they had purchased a small vacation home. Over the next 40 years, and with an addition on the house, friends and family enjoyed the sun, beach and the Leger hospitality. After much studying, Al and Jean both received their dual citizenship for U.S. and Mexico. 

The condo in Breckenridge, built in the 70’s, was a family legacy where many enjoyed skiing with Al and Jean and benefitting from their never-ending generosity as mountain hosts.   

Al and Jean were a team and always on the go, whether to travel to international destinations, or to support a grandchild at a sports event. They enjoyed golf together and participated in many golf tournaments around the country with friends from the golf club at Manzanillo. They spent many a week in May on the houseboat at Lake Powell fishing, always inviting friends and family to accompany them. They saw each experience as an opportunity to learn something new.   

After Jean’s death, Al focused on being a loving, generous and supportive dad, granddad and great granddad. Al’s kindness, generosity and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He believed in building not just structures, but also relationships and memories that stand the test of time.

Our hearts will forever be broken but also enriched by his love and life lessons. May he rest in peace in God’s perfect love and grace. 

Al was preceded in death by his wife Jean and his parents.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy M. White, son, Andrew J. Leger (Pat), daughter, Susan K. Oakley, grandchildren, Daniel Leger, Sam Leger (Meagan), Kathrine Anderson (Clint), Patricia Bush (John), Meredith Brekke (Kody) and 15 great grandchildren, Clayton and Audrey Leger, Edyn Oakley, Reagan and Hudson Brekke, Collins, Charlie Kate, Lauren and Lucy Anderson, Madison and Ella Leger, John Luke, Emerson and Cameron Bush and Hunter McNeal. 

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE 

March 7, 2025 

Bethany Lutheran Church – 4500 E Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village 

9:30a.m.-10:00a.m. Fellowship in the narthex, Slideshow in the Chapel 

10:00a.m.-10:55- Service in the Chapel 

Attire:  casual dress- Bronco colors optional 

MILITARY HONOR CEREMONY 

March 7, 2025     11:30a.m. – 12:00p.m. 

Fort Logan National Cemetery- 3698 Sheridan Blvd.  Denver, CO 

For anyone who would like to attend (20 minutes from the church) 

Drive to Staging area B  by 11:25a.m. to join procession to Committal Shelter 

Seating is limited- You may bring your own chairs or stand.