Leslie Linder was born in London on 29 October 1923 to Hyman Linder, a merchant and his wife, Anna, née Karsberg. He was educated at Westminster School and Cambridge University. In 1962 he became lecturer in anatomy in the University of Natal for two years, and then was casualty surgeon in King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban. He took up the post of principal surgeon and senior lecturer in the department of surgery, University of Natal, Durban in 1968 and held this position until his death. He married Vivienne Sara on 27 January 1965 and they had two sons. His hobbies were bridge, photography, chess and music. He died on 1 November 1987 aged 64 years.