John D. Leslie passed away on March 4, 2026 with his wife Robin at his side, holding his hand.

John D. Leslie was born on September 16, 1957, in Tacoma, Washington, to Dale S. Leslie and Valaria F. Leslie. He was the fifth of twelve children in a large and lively family. 

John proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy. Throughout his life, he was known as an avid hunter, fisherman, and talented woodcarver. He was also remembered as the king of terrible jokes and someone who never met a stranger. If you happened to make eye contact with John in a Legion hall, you could count on hearing a joke before long. He had a gift for conversation and a genuine desire to connect with people wherever he went. 

John was a capable and resourceful man who could fix or build just about anything. Family members often joked that he was the kind of man who would rebuild a truck engine right in the living room during the winter if that’s what needed to be done—because he actually did. 

Early in life, John married Lynn M. Gehrke, and together they welcomed two sons, Branden and Lucas Leslie. The family spent 20 years living in the small town of Clinton, Montana, where John instilled many life lessons in his children—especially how to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the simple things in life. For John, that often meant a six-pack and a good fishing companion. After 26 years of marriage, John and Lynn divorced, and he later moved to Helena, Montana.

 John met Robin after a date set up by John's brother James and Robin's sister Vickie in 2006. They were married on November 9, 2007, and he inherited two children Teresa (Tim Ellis) and Michael Hill (Kami). They spent very little time apart and the love that they had will always be cherished by Robin. In Robin’s words, John was a wonderful husband who saved her life in many ways. He filled a void in her life, and in return she cared for him faithfully until his final days. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Valaria Leslie; his sister, Ruth; and his brothers, William, Lloyd, Frank, and Bill. 

He is survived by his sons, Branden Leslie and his wife, Devri, and Lucas Leslie and his wife, Angela; his grandchildren, Kalab, Bridger, Campbell, Travis, and Jacob; and his two great-grandchildren, Kierra and Faith Leslie. He is also survived by his inherited children: Michael (Kami) Hill, Teresa (Tim) Ellis; grandchildren Aaron, Jeremy, Steven (Danielle), Stephanie and Nathanael; great grandchildren Judah and Tobias Ellis; Six siblings: Steve Leslie, Mary Mortieau, Ron Leslie, Jack Leslie, Anna Duffy, and James Leslie, along with many extended family members and friends who will remember his humor, generosity, and love for the outdoors. 

John will be remembered as a man who lived simply, laughed often, and valued good company above all else.