Daniel Brandt Lewkowitz

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Daniel Lewkowitz Obituary

Lewkowitz, Daniel Brandt
passed away on June 5, 2010 in Santa Monica, California after a brief illness. Dan was born in Phoenix on January 18, 1951 and attended Phoenix Central High School and the University of Arizona where he also played football for the Wildcats. He was an outstanding athlete with a great sense of humor and loving nature. Dan moved to California to pursue his dreams of acting and teaching comedy, but frequently traveled back to Arizona to donate his talents for fundraising events. He enjoyed attending the Phoenix Open with his extended family and friends. He was very active in the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue and he loved fly-fishing. Dan is survived by his brother Stephen Lewkowitz (Carol), Tucson, AZ, his niece Kimberly Lewkowitz, Manhattan Beach, CA, his nephew Mark Lewkowitz, San Diego, CA, his mother Helen LaPrade, Phoenix, his step-brother Larry LaPrade (Kimberly), step-sisters Linda Taggart (Victor), Lori Wickman (Barry), Trude LaPrade and Annabelle Baker (George), his uncle Jerry Lewkowitz (Andrea) Phoenix, AZ, many Lewkowitz, Segal and Seaman cousins and his loving partner for many years, Minda Burr of Santa Monica, CA. His sister, Cathy Sue Lewkowitz, his father Burton Lewkowitz and his step-father Loren LaPrade predeceased Dan. Per Dan's request there will be a celebration of his life in Santa Monica on Saturday, July 17. Donations in Dan's memory can be made to Golden Retriever Rescue, PO Box 491209, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences by visiting the online obituary Guest Book at www.obits.azcentral.com.

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jun. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Lewkowitz

4 Entries

Nancy Hughes

July 18, 2010

I knew Danny since he was 6 years old. My families became friends when we all met at Simis grade school. I remember having BBQ's in the Lewkowitz's backyard when Cathy, Kelley and I were in the 3rd grade. My whole family loved Steve, Cathy and Danny. We drifted apart when they moved, yet really reconnected when I met Cathy again at Central High School. Cathy and I attended Phoenix College together and were roommates at ASU so I got to interact with Dan and Steve regularly. What fun! After Cathy's death, Danny and I connected and realized we felt the same about so many things that we developed a strong friendship. I visited him in L.A. many times, did some work with him, and stayed with Danny and Minda twice. There were so many traits to love about Danny. I loved when he laughed so hard while telling a story that he almost couldn't finish. His voice would get louder and he would be crying with joy. Also, I loved the look of anticipation on his face and his huge smile when he was waiting for the end or punch line of a story someone else was telling. I loved his animated expressions. He was such a dreamer and adventurer. It takes courage to follow one's dreams, especially when they sometimes don't materialize in the greatest way one would hope. He had courage! Danny was such a kind man, always rescuing dogs and squirrels and any other animal in distress. He saw the wonder in life... all things big and small. His one man show which he performed and he and Minda wrote, directed and produced was hilarious!!!! It was a great night of entertainment! He was so talented and funny,I found myself so thoroughly engaged,that I forgot it was Danny on stage. About 1 year ago my twin brother Kelley and I met Danny for dinner during a short trip Danny made to Phoenix and we spent hours recalling our past and recounting fun stories about family members and friends. We all really enjoyed it. He commented on how terrific it was that we were still friends and could pick up just where we left off.... laughing all the way. Danny brought a wonderful perspective to life and his energy was both passionate and bold. My whole family will miss him, as will all of his great family and friends. He was a free spirit and I am confident his spirit has expanded and is joyous now that he is out of pain and in Heaven. The world became a better, kinder, gentler, more humorous place because of his presence. God bless. Happy Trails....

Scott O'Connor

June 21, 2010

In the summer of about 1968 or so, Mom hired Danny to drive my brothers and I to swim practice in the mornings, later to some other activities, and finally home. In the meantime, he was supposed to hang out and keep an eye on us. This gave Danny plenty of time to figure out ways to play elaborate practical jokes on us, the best one being the long build up about his pet mongoose.

The day we finally met the "mongoose," which flew out of its cage and gave all of us heart attacks, was priceless. Danny may never have laughed as hard as when he nailed us all with that one.

I have fond memories of riding around in the back seat of his old Chevy that summer.

The following year, we went to watch Danny play a football game for Phoenix College. The Bears were behind and needed a time out, but had already used them all, so the coach sent Danny in for a play in which Danny would use his acting skills and fake an injury long enough that the coach got his time out anyway. Danny already was pursuing his art.

Scott, Brian and Jay O'Connor. We will miss him.

Randy Moore

June 20, 2010

I grew up with Danny and remember playing Little League together, so sorry to hear of his passing away. My condolences to all his family.

Wayne Dohse

June 20, 2010

Dan,
It seems like yesterday we were in 4th grade at John F. Long in Maryvale enjoying the pool parties and life as young boys without a care in the world. You soon became a kind of celebrity amongst us boys when you appeared on Wallace and Ladmo with your Pop Warner football team. You moved and we would not meet again for several years as our families would attend BBQ`s and events together and we crossed paths. We again reconnected at Central High when I moved there my JR. year, it was a relief to know a friendly face at a new school. The world never knew that you, Ethan, Royce and Jim were one of the first Rap Groups, if only in a classroom, entertaining Mr. Liff`s speech class with your drum and guitar sound effects in four part harmony. We weren`t close then like we were in the 4th grade, but you always treated me like one of the guys, even when I would stick my foot in my mouth, saying something ignorant that offended you and others, thanks for the the diplomacy. As we all graduated and went our separate ways, there you are popping up in movies and commercials, always the entertainer. The last time we crossed paths was at Central`s 30 year reunion, where you were the MC, and did it with fun, class and dignity,it was an evening Eileen and I will hold in the fondest of memories, that infectious smile and personality will continue on with us. Well my friend, it has been a lifelong pleasure to know you, you will be missed, peace be with you and your family .

Wayne

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