Bernard Samuel Leytus

November 29, 1927 - March 8, 2014 Bernard (Bernie) Leytus of Culver City and Studio City, Ca. died on March 8, 2014 - he was 86. His health had declined over the past year¿and after struggling with a weak heart, he finally lost his battle - passing calmly and quietly in his own home and in his own bed, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him. Bernie was born in Los Angeles to Eva and Morris Leytus on November 29, 1927. He graduated from Fairfax High School, attended UCLA and served in the U.S. Army. He met his wife, Jeanne Landau at University Synagogue and they were married in 1952. Bernie was a true entrepreneur. He started Culver Co. in 1963 by selling industrial pipefittings out of the back of his station wagon¿and by the time the company sold in 1994, it had grown many times over and Bernie was able to retire a successful businessman. He was adventurous and athletic, and among his many passions was bicycling¿taking countless trips all over the world. Then, as he grew older, bicycling was replaced with volunteer work (which he was extremely proud of) and he continued to travel¿particularly enjoying cruises and meeting people from all over. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and took them on many trips - most recently, Japan and Costa Rica. Judaism and Israel were always an integral part of Bernie's life. He felt that Jewish education was never-ending and enjoyed attending study groups and lectures at Valley Beth Shalom synagogue until his final days. Bernie was a one-of-a-kind individual - a true original - who never sacrificed his principles. He was thoughtful and generous, a helper and a joiner¿and nothing was more valued than family and friends. He loved bringing people together (hosting Sunday brunches), was an avid theatergoer his entire life, and played the piano¿particularly standards from the 30's and 40's. He was quick and funny, and told a great joke to the very end. He had enormous energy, and an insatiable curiosity and zest for life that could have filled 1000 years. Bernie is survived by his sons Steven and David Leytus; daughter-in-law Priscilla Leytus and son-in-law Mac Huff; grandchildren Zachary & Jaclyn Leytus; nieces Susan Landau & Judy Leytus; nephews Jim & Roger Leytus; great nieces and nephew Janice McGuire, Paula Friedman and Eric Ferguson. The family would especially like to thank the very special people who made sure that Bernie was so well cared for in his final months: Dorothy (Homecarela) and Vilma, Yvette, Vanessa and Jane (Homewatch Caregivers). Words cannot express our gratitude; you'll be in our hearts forever. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park and Cemetery in Los Angeles (800-600-0076). In lieu of flowers, Bernie requested that donations be made to Valley Beth Shalom synagogue or a favorite charity.