We will remember a life that was full of love.

Charlie lived his life with generosity and a warmth we will miss forever.

Charles Leonard, age 63, passed away in Lakewood, CO on January 23. A third-generation Coloradan, Charlie was born in Denver, Colorado but spent most of his life in Estes Park and Summit County Colorado. The mountains and sea were fundamental landscapes in his life. He started skiing at the age of 6 and raced for Arapahoe Basin and Vail ski areas. While he skied throughout Colorado, the western U.S. and Austria, he considered A Basin his home mountain.

A long-time Summit County resident, Charlie graduated from Summit County High School in 1977. He attended Metropolitan State University and graduated with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. Charlie spent his professional career in the Colorado restaurant industry retiring in 2020. Together with Allie Jones, he operated the Market Center Deli in Denver for 5 years and then the Grubsteak Restaurant in Estes Park for 20 years. After returning to Summit County, he worked as a breakfast cook at Arapaho Basin Ski Area. He is fondly remembered by friends and co-workers as "Charlie Bacon" because of the generous portions of bacon and eggs he would serve to the morning shift employees.

Sailing was near and dear to his heart and he was happiest at the helm of a sloop in the Caribbean or sailing his Laser on Lake Estes and Dillon Reservoir. He taught sailing while in Estes Park and spent many happy hours sharing his love for sailing with newbies. He also loved sailing the family Ensign with his father Glenn Leonard on Dillon Reservoir or the Cal-35 off the coast of California.

He learned to scuba dive as an adult. He logged over five hundred dives in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific. Charlie loved experiencing marine life in their native habitat. His trip to the Galapagos Islands that included swimming with the sharks was one of his all-time favorite dives.

Charlie was rarely seen without a dog by his side. His dogs: Maui, Latte, Toffee, and most recently his Great Pyrenees Evie, were his constant companions. His love of animals extended to wildlife, and he would often share stories of wildlife sightings with friends and family.

Telling stories about his travels or just happenings in his daily life were second nature to Charlie. He would often regale friends with funny anecdotes or longer stories about sailing, hiking, skiing, or just life. His smile was always warm and welcoming.

He is survived by his sisters Anne Leonard (Tom Mattimore), Kim Distefano (Mark), nephew Luke Distefano, niece Kara Distefano Strickland (Taylor), and great-niece Neve Strickland. He was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Virginia Leonard of Denver and Dillon, Colorado.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. A memorial service will be held Wednesday February 8, 1:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church 2201 Dexter St, Denver, CO 80207. A celebration of life will be held at A Basin this summer. Memorial contributions may be made to the animal charity of your choice, the Ocean Conservancy , or the charity of your choice.

Please sign the on-line guest book and share your memories of our generous, fun-loving, adventure-loving brother Charlie.