Obituary of Donald Foster Leyden

Donald Foster Leyden August 31, 1919 - December 12, 2006 Donald Foster Leyden, 87, of Brookfield, husband of Marian (Flink) Leyden, for 64 years, died December 12, 2006 at Filosa Convalescent Home, Danbury. He was born August 31, 1919, in Springfield, MA., son of James Alexander and Constance (Fowler) Leyden. He graduated from Pleasantville, NY High School in 1937 and went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Science at Penn State University in 1941. A veteran of World War II, Don was a Lieutenant J.G. in the US Navy in the armaments division. Following his service he worked for Hampden Papers of Holyoke, MA in the New York City sales office, commuting daily from his home in Briarcliff Manor, NY until 1973. In 1975 Donald and his wife moved to Brookfield and started Donmar Studio. His unique way of combining artwork and fishing artifacts in 3-dimensional mounts can be seen in museums throughout North America. Extensive exhibits of his work appear in the Catskill Fly Fishing Center Museum in Livingston Manor, NY and the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, VT. For over 50 years, Donald traveled extensively on fishing trips to Alaska, Canada, Iceland and the many islands in the Caribbean. He and Marian shared their adventures with the public through lectures and slide shows at the conservation organizations he cared so much about. These included Theodore Gordon Fly Fishing (where he was a founding member); Trout Unlimited (Candlewood Valley Chapter); Atlantic Salmon Federation; Connecticut River Salmon Association; and Miramichi River Salmon Association. His other interests were Big Band music and spectator sports, especially UConn Women's Basketball. Funeral Information In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Richard Leyden of South Hero, VT., and Donald Leyden, Jr. of Florida; a daughter, Barbara Piper of Sandia Park, NM; two brothers, Norman Leyden and James Leyden of OR; one sister, Harriet Anderson of CA; three grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Cornell Memorial Home is in charge of cremation. A private memorial gathering will be held in the summer. There are no calling hours.