Frederic B. Tankel

1929 - 2017

May 7, 1929 - October 7, 2017 Frederic B. Tankel passed away peacefully on October 7 at 88 years of age in Los Angeles, California . He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 7, 1929. Fred graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1951 and Harvard Law School in 1954. He practiced law in Minneapolis, later moving to Los Angeles where was a founding partner in the prominent Century City firm of Tankel, Toll, Lertzman and Leavitt. Fred invested in real estate with group of friends who met regularly for lunch at an oval table in Junior's Delicatessen in West Los Angeles. The group was appropriately named, "The Oval Office." Commencing on Fred's 50th birthday an annual softball game, aptly dubbed "The Tankel" was held at the Veteran's Administration field in West Los Angeles to be followed by Pizza dinner at a local restaurant. He is predeceased by his parents, Ben and Eva Tankel, his sister Joan and her husband Avner Robbins, cousin Orville Golub, his good friends, Lockie Haight, Phil Gilligan, Alan Minter, David Gottlieb, Myron Kunin, Gary Nathanson, Lennie Fertman and Irving Ludwig. He is survived by his nephews, James and Matt Robins, cousins David Feinberg, Skip Farber, Gail Weiner, Mitch Handler and many friends including in his former neighbor, roommate and buddy of 83 years, Geoffrey Nathanson, Geoff's daughter and Fred's Goddaughter Cindy Nathanson and her brothers Dan and Thomas. Other good buddies include his Harvard Law School mate and life-long friend, Quentin Kopp, lady friend Elizabeth Weinberger, his law office colleague and suite-mate of 40 years, Richard Stall, good friends Donna Gottlieb, Vivian Forbes, Wade Lamming and Alan Stamm, Harland Braun, Frank Browning, Bob Cohen, Larry Turner, Steve McClintock , Jeff Davis and his many other "The Oval Office" pals. Fred's avocations included bridge, poker (law school and Gardena), walking the Venice Beach and Pico Boulevard, crossword puzzles and Turner Classic Movies. He played tennis and squash in his youth, enjoyed playing the stock market and wagering on college football. Always alert Freddy was an avid reader, a great kibitzer and raconteur. May God bless Fred and the many fine memories we have of his intelligence and wit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave. S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55405, (612)377-8680. Services will be held at a later date.