Yehuda LAVEE

LAVEE, Yehuda July 20, 1922 - May 24, 2012 Yehuda was born in the Old City of Jerusalem, and as a child, showed talent in drawing and design. In 1927, relatives from the US visited, and he met Julie, a little girl his age who became his wife in 1947. He received a degree from the British Association of Engineering Technology, and afterwards -before Israel's Independence- left, but had already devoted years fighting bravely as an underground freedom fighter. He sailed towards the USA but was stranded in Paris. He became a tour guide, reading about important sights the night before guiding middle-eastern travelers. His direction shifted between Fine Art and Architecture, and was accepted at the CA School of Fine Arts in San Francisco. A meeting with publisher John Entenza turned him back to Architecture, and led to an apprenticeship with Richard Neutra. Returning to New York, he enrolled at NYU, and also worked independently in Design and Construction, and as a Custom Furniture Designer. After marrying Julie, they moved to Los Angeles. He became a friend and partner of Architect Aaron Green, an association that lasted more than 50 years. He designed and built an apartment building for his family, and sponsored his parents' immigration from Jerusalem. His career grew rapidly, and as Architect and Builder, developed several residential, office, and medical buildings, factories and hospitals. Yehuda's love for adventure took him to foreign lands where he easily blended-in with the locals, soon speaking their language. He imparted his warmth as his understanding that humanity is one. He was always ready with a joke or advice, and his imagination, enthusiasm, and optimism endeared him to his family and friends. Julie passed away in March. He leaves two sons, Oren (and Michelle) and Allen, and two grandchildren, Aaron and Danielle (and Luke).