Gregory Leader

Gregory Leader, 71, passed away May 8, 2024. A service will be held at the Palmer Elks Lodge on June 23, 2024 from 3-5pm.

Greg was born on June 25, 1952 in Spokane, Washington to Harold and Jean Leader. His family moved to Alaska in 1952. He grew up in Anchorage and graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1970. He graduated from the Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program in 1978. Greg married Cally Leader June 3, 1979. This year was their 45th wedding anniversary.

Greg and Cally have two children, Justin Leader and Jessica (Leader) McDonnell. Greg and Cally have lived in their home in Wasilla, AK since 1981. Greg worked as a heavy equipment operator for the State of Alaska DOT at the Anchorage Airport and Highways from 1979-2001. He was a member of the Local 302 Operating Engineers for over 40 years. Greg worked for many construction companies during his years as an operator. M-B Contracting, Co., S&G Construction, Wilder Construction/Granite Construction and Central Paving Products were among those. He was very proud of the work he had done over the years, and truly had a passion for his trade.

In retirement, Greg enjoyed playing golf and fishing. Greg and Cally liked to go camping in their motorhome, making several trips a summer to Fairbanks, Homer, and even up the Dalton Highway. Greg liked to be outside in the summer, throwing a frisbee for his dog or doing yard work. He spent many weekends watching his grandkids snowmachine race, attending their football and hockey games, as well as the many other events that they were involved in.

He is survived by his wife, Cally Leader, his son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Sadie Leader of Wasilla, Alaska, his daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Michael McDonnell of Big Lake, Alaska and his eight grandchildren Alysha Leader, Aidan McDonnell, Lilliana Leader, Nikoli Leader, Danielle Leader, Kian McDonnell, Morgan-Jean McDonnell, and Rosalie Leader, his nephew Jerry and Suzanne Whittle of Anchorage, Alaska, great-nephew Jerry Whittle II and wife Aimee Whittle, great-great nephews Jeremy and Everett Whittle, nephews Gary Whittle and Larry Whittle and his cousins Curtis Leader, Steve Leader, and Lottie Leader. Greg was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Jean Leader, his sister Donna Warner, and nephew Lonny Whittle.