Allan M. Levy

Allan M. Levy Died on Thursday, February 16, 2006 after a five-month battle with throat cancer. He was 60 years old. He died at home and in peace, in the company of family and friends. Allan was born and raised in Memphis, TN, and embodied all of the lovely qualities we Northerners associate with Southerners: he was kind and gracious, inclusive, an attentive host (no one ever left Pam and Allan's house underfed or thirsty), and an avid storyteller. Allan was a creator of community. He had a small army of friends of all ages, sizes, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds from every conceivable corner of the globe. The man never met a stranger. An introduction to Allan was an entrée to an eclectic gang of warm, talented, and truly interesting folk. Allan had a passion for things Italian: he spoke the language, loved the land, and possessed a truly Roman appreciation for things of beauty. He also had an eye for quality of form and function, which clearly informed his work as an architect: he was an able and imaginative craftsman and designed some very cool stuff (including having his hand in the design of the new S.F. International Airport). Allan liked music of all sorts but especially blues and rock and roll. He had definite opinions. About everything. He gave quietly and generously of his time and energy to non-profit organizations like Kids Turn and the Rally Project. He was exceptionally nice to children and animals (including his beloved dog, Maggie). In August 1994, Allan married Pam, the love of his life (and he the love of hers) in a sweet, simple ceremony made most remarkable by the fact that Allan danced in public. He brought Pam immense joy. Allan will undoubtedly be remembered for a wealth of wonderful attributes and deeds, but perhaps he will be remembered most commonly for his good, warm heart, his ever-present hat, and the immense love and loyalty he inspired in those who knew him. Allan is survived by his wife, Pam; mother, Mrs. Emily Davis; sister, Diane and brother-in-law, Arnold Eger; brother, Donald and sister-in-law, Shelley Levy; brother, Steven and sister-in-law, Betsy Olim; sister-in-law, Kate DiGiacomo; six nieces and nephews, a whole bunch of cousins, the above-mentioned army of friends, and last, but not least, his dog Maggie. A Memorial Service is being planned for Thurs, April 6, 2006, 3pm, at the Officer's Club at the SF Presidio. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to Kids' Turn, Rally Family Visitation Services, UCSF Palliative Care Group, and The Women's Community Clinic.