Leonard A. Gilchrist

Beloved Husband and Father

October 30, 1945 – July 28, 2025

Leonard “Len” A. Gilchrist, age 79, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 30, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, to Clarence Delmar Gilchrist and Anna Louise Hansen, Len’s life was defined by deep love, unwavering dedication, and a strong sense of family.

Len is survived by his devoted wife of almost half a century, Darla J. Gilchrist, whose love and companionship were the foundation of his happiness. Together they built a life centered on family, a value Len held most dear.

He leaves behind his cherished children: Renae Popelar, and her children Shay Larson, Sam Larson, and Libbie Popelar; Donna Schanlaber and her husband Nathan, and their grandson Cayson, along with her son Andrew Swanson and his wife Alyssa; Heather Reser and her husband Greg, and their children Jack, Emma, and Katie; Ryan Gilchrist and his wife Michelle, and their daughters Zoe and Elle; Jodi Howell and her husband Ron, and their children Logan, Italia, and Ron Jr.; and Allen Gilchrist and his wife Autumn, and their children Austin, Jason, and Annalise.

He is also survived by his siblings: Sue Lemke, Bonnie Baker, Tim Gilchrist, Robert Gilchrist (wife Marcie), and William Gilchrist (wife Rose), along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Len proudly served his country as a Second-Class Petty Officer IC-3 in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, aboard the USS John S. McCain (DL-3) Destroyer Leader, followed by an additional eight years in the Naval Reserves. His military service was a point of deep pride, and he will be bestowed military honors at the national cemetery.

Following his military service, Len began a long and distinguished career in the telecommunications industry. He first worked in quality control at Western Electric before earning a Marketing Degree from Northern Illinois University. From there, he embarked on an extensive and fulfilling career in product management at Lucent Technologies. He ultimately concluded nearly four decades of service in the field as a prestigious Bell Labs Field Representative. Len genuinely loved his work and took great joy in sharing the latest innovations and discoveries with his friends and family.

Len was admired for his ever-present sense of humor, generous spirit, and love of life. He was an avid collector and restorer of clocks, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, and held a special place in his heart for the Drum & Bugle Corps. He also found great joy in traveling and, above all, spending meaningful time with his family.

An in-person and live streamed memorial service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church (www.deserthills.org) followed by a military service at 2:00 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Len's brother, Bob Gilchrist, who was in the Marine Drum & Bugle Corp, will be playing Taps on Len's original bugle. Both the church and military services are open to the public.

Len’s love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in his memory. 

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