Bruce Leavitt Obituary

Passed away at home in Santa Rosa, CA on Thursday, July 9, 2009. He was born in Greenwich, CT on July 22, 1935, the youngest child of Russell and Mavis Leavitt. Bruce graduated from Pomfret School in CT, Harvard University and after serving two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Monroe, VA, the University of Michigan Law School. He worked in private practice with the San Francisco law firm, Sullivan, Roche, Johnson & Farraher and as a staff attorney with the California Constitution Revision Commission before he discovered his passion for municipal law. He served as City Attorney for Ventura, CA; Assistant City Attorney for Thousand Oaks, CA; and in 1978 City Attorney and later Assistant City Attorney for the city of Santa Rosa, where he spent nearly 31 years, working until his death. Married to Louisa Whitridge in 1968, he was a devoted father to his three children. He is survived by his children Andrew Leavitt (Thomas Strong) of Dublin, Ireland, Christy Leavitt (Ivan Frishberg) of Washington, DC, and Scot Leavitt (Naomi) of Portland, OR; their mother Louisa Leavitt of Santa Rosa; his adored granddaughter Lucy Leavitt of Washington, DC; his brother Donald Leavitt of Southboro, MA; his sister Mavis Jean Wylie of Washington, DC; his cousin John Dupree of Cincinnati, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Scot. Bruce will be remembered for his wit, intelligence, kindness and commitment to the public good. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Bird Rescue Center, P.O. Box 475, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 or to Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 6672, Santa Rosa, CA 95406. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES (707) 525-3730

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Jul. 14 to Jul. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Leavitt

7 Entries

Bella Leavitt

March 3, 2021

Papa Bruce, Dad misses you and loves you. A few days after I was born mom came into the hospital room, to find Dad crying and telling me about you. I wish I could have met you. I love you.

Larry Huntington

July 21, 2009

Bruce and I shared a college dormitory room for three years, during which time he taught me all the country music songs of the time. He also shared his wonderful sense of humor and his dry wit. For those years we were very close, but I missed knowing him in the later years.
Louisa, you and Bruce are much in my thoughts.

Larry Huntington

July 19, 2009

Dear friends, Louisa, Andrew, Christie, and Scot. I didn't know Bruce, but remember your family very fondly. I wanted to offer my condolences in your loss. He sounded like a brilliant man. So sorry.
Eleanor Brodnansky

July 18, 2009

Bruce was my roommate at college. He was a wonderful friend. We send our condolences to his family and will make a contribution in his name.

Art Hodges, Boston, Mass.

Tricia Consani

July 15, 2009

I worked with Bruce for many years in the City Attorney's Office and was always amazed at his level of skill and commitment to whatever project he was doing. He was the "go to" person related to any historical or legal documentation related to the City of Santa Rosa and he will be missed very much. Bruce was able to discuss any topic but one of his most endearing qualities was his interest in everything legal. He could talk about the law and everyone looked to him and valued his opinion. The Legal Eagles in the City Attorney's Office salute you Bruce! You are one of the best and brightest! Fondly, Tricia

Bonnie Gilmore Rust

July 15, 2009

Bruce's wit and wisdom spurred some interesting debates in the City of Santa Rosa's investment committee and I genuinely valued his participation. He was never too busy to stop and chat and always interested in you, not just the job you were doing, Chuck and I send our sincere condolences to his family.

Bruce Leavitt and his brother Don Leavitt

John Leavitt

July 14, 2009

Given the distance between us, I never saw Uncle Bruce very often growing up, but I have fond memories of the times I did see him. And when he grew the beard, I thought he looked like Santa Claus.

In the mid 90s, I found myself in a bad jam with an uncooperative client and Bruce was an enormous help in giving my guidance on how to deal with him. I was in way over my head and I'll never forgot how much and how patiently he helped me.

The last time I saw Bruce was at the party for my parents' 50th anniversary, when this picture with my dad was taken.

We'll miss you, Uncle Bruce.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results