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Thomas Levitt Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Levitt
Stephen Griffith
June 11, 2010
I just learned today that my friend and law school classmante Tom Levitt died. My first thought was for Molly and the girls, because they were always the persons Tom mentioned first when we spoke. It was clear from the way he talked about them that they held an unchallenged place in the very center of Tom's heart.
My favorite memory of Tom comes from the summer of 1977 after we had taken our respective bar exams. Tom came to Oregon to visit me, and we decided to take a backpack trip through the Three Sisters Wilderness in the Oregon Cascades. This was new stuff for Tom - the camping, the cooking, the tent and sleeping bags. He loved the fresh experiences. One day when the clouds were so low we couldn't see the mountains, we came to a point on the trail that according to our map was due west of the Middle Sister. We resolved to see whether we could climb the mountain. With nothing but a compass to steer by and broken branches and cairns we built to guide us back, Tom and I left our packs by the trail and started walking in the direction the mountain was supposed to be. In due course the ground began to steepen, and then get really steep, so eventually we found ourselves climbing on all fours up a rocky ridge completely enveloped by clouds. After endless scrambling we realized we needed to get back to our packs before darkness fell, so we gave ourselves another 10 minutes. In the tenth minute it looked as if the clouds were lightening, so we gave ourselves another five minutes. In less than five minutes, we had broken out of the clouds completely and found ourselves standing on the tiny summit of the Middle Sister. Above us was nothing but blue sky. Around us the brilliant late afternoon sun was backlighting a sea of moving clouds that stretched to the horizon. It seemed as if we were standing on top of the world. Unable to contain ourselves, Tom and I began to shout and yell in pure exuberance.
I hope that some day in the future Molly and the girls will come and visit Oregon. I would like to show them the place where their husband and father stood on the clouds and shouted for joy and happiness.
Jim Hochman
April 25, 2010
As a distant cousin of Tom's. I am embarrassed that I only learned of his passing yesterday througfh a business contact in Kansas City. Our sincere condolences. Jim, Linda, and Jessica Hochman
John Scott
April 6, 2010
We will all miss Tom. Kansas City benefited greatly from his advocacy and his real affection for the city. Tom is very much appreciated and respected. I am sorry for your loss.
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william phillip
February 23, 2010
For a number of months I have felt a need to look up different old childhood buddies, not seen since. Tom Levitt was among them. Is this the Tom who went to Camp Horseshoe?
Richard Levine
January 22, 2010
Hearing of Tom's passing has stopped us in our tracks of everyday life to reflect on formative days gone by. Tom was our classmate and roommate at Yale.
Reading of his latter years in KC provides comfort to us that Tom found happiness in his family and community. He had a great desire to express his love for humanity.
May his memory be a blessing.
Richard Levine and Roger Finney
Theresa and George Barton
October 1, 2009
We are saddened to lose a dear friend. I have so many wonderful memories of Molly and Tom walking around the block with their daughters...dog in tow. Always a moment to pause and chat. And who can forget the parties, birthday celebrations, excitement over the wonderful renovations that brought life to decaying neighborhoods! He was the loveliest of gentlemen, and made the world a better place.
Robert Thompson
September 29, 2009
Tom was my only contact when I moved from Border Star to Pembroke, and he was a wonderful friend. Gentle, thoughtful, brilliant, and a captivating sense of humor. Clearly, a pillar in the reemergence of downtown and the Crossroads. An exceptional human being.
Michael Schwartz
September 26, 2009
my deep felt sadness of Toms passing to Molly and the girls and Jean and Jim--my many memories of spending quality time with Tom....with long talks and sharing many experiences will always be a treasure--Michael Schwartz, Dallas Texas
Michael Looney
September 25, 2009
I have worked with Tom since 2003. I respected his drive and enthusiasm for his many projects, as well as his wonderful sense of humor. I will miss him very much. My deepest regrets for his wife and daughters, whom he often talked about with great warmth and affection.
September 25, 2009
I met Tom several years ago when he arranged an architectural tour of the Brush Creek corridor. It was evident that he was a generous man who loved to support the community (often without recognition). We crossed paths many times over the years and he was always a great advocate for our City.
September 24, 2009
Tom and I were always asked if we were related, which we were not, but we were friends. He was a nice boy in high school and it sounds like he turned out to be a wonderful man. My condolences to the family.
Nancy Tomassi(Levitt), Pittsburg, KS
Richard Hornbeck
September 24, 2009
Tom was always a remarkable person in High School and he continued that in his life goals. His big heart and sincere friendliness will never be forgotten. My condolences to his family.
Michelle T
September 24, 2009
Tom Levitt was a fine man and his death is a great loss to Kansas City. My condolences to Molly and his girls, who were the light of his life.
Jeff Hall
September 24, 2009
I used to live in KC but have been gone for quite some time. Someone just told me about Tom's passing. Tom was one of the first people I met and he was kind enough to "take me in," show me the ropes and teach me about Kansas City. I really liked him and found him to be very thoughtul, smart, insightful. It was always uplifting spending time with him. Jeff Hall
Sue Lyddon Hall
September 24, 2009
Tom was indeed a tireless worker on behalf of the city he loved, Kansas City. He never worked for personal recognition but always for the betterment of the city and its people. He was a kind-hearted gentleman and a loyal friend. He will be missed.
Debra Goldstein
September 24, 2009
May his memory be a true blessing, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Debra Goldstein
Pam S
September 24, 2009
Wow, I didn't know him but if only more people were like him. What an awesome person. I pray for his family that they take what they have learned from him and live on through him.
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