Chester Alan Leiser, founder of Leiser Construction, passed away April 13, 2009, in Denver. Rabbi Selwyn Franklin and Cantor Joel Lichterman officiated at the April 14 service held at Feldman Chapel. Interment followed at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
He was proud that he could do business on a handshake and was able to develop lifelong personal relationships with his customers, his family said. His reputation for honesty contributed to his success in business.
Mr. Leiser was born June 1, 1918, in Pueblo, Colo., to Joseph and Lena Leiser. He was the youngest of seven children.
In 1940, Mr. Leiser enlisted in the Army Engineering Corps and worked on the ALCAN highway. Just before his enlistment ended, the US entered WW II.
He was accepted into officers training school, attended Harvard University and became a specialist in soils engineering.
As an officer, he commanded African-American troops and was sent to the South Pacific to build airfields. He also developed many innovations in speed construction.
He was discharged with the rank of major in 1946.
Mr. Leiser moved to Denver and eventually started Leiser Construction Co. He specialized in custom commercial buildings in metro Denver and Colorado Springs.
In 1954, he married Dore Kaplan.
A supporter of Denvers Jewish community, Mr. Leiser served on the boards of Beth Joseph, ADL and Israel Bonds. He also was appointed to the first board of Colorado Workmans Compensation Insurance (now known as Pinnacle).
He loved Wirehaired Dachshunds and showed several of them in championships. He especially loved his champion dog Jewel.
Mr. Leiser is survived by his wife Dore Leiser; children Dr. Jeffrey Leiser of Indianapolis, Ind., and Sharon Leiser of Washington, DC; and grandchildren Abraham, Tzirel and Margalit.
Contributions may be made to the charity of choice.
