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Neil Lehrman Obituary
Born in New York, Neil grew up near Washington, DC, graduated with B.A. and Master's degrees from the Univ. of North Carolina, and was a resident of San Francisco since 1968, where he produced poetry readings and plays, and went on to become a partner in the CPA firm, Johnson, Levie & Lehrman.
To his many friends in the city and everywhere, he was The Captain-to the children of these friends, he was the amazingly benevolent Uncle Neil. He gave each of them special attention that continued into adulthood, supporting their endeavors and often taking them on travels in the U.S. and abroad.
In 1968, he and Merrill Leffler started the poetry magazine Dryad, named for one of Neil's favorite poems, John Keats' "Ode to a Nightingale": "That thou light-winged Dryad of the trees . . . singest of summer in full-throated ease." By 1976, they were publishing literary books under the imprint, Dryad Press (www.dryadpress.com).
Neil was the author of Perdut, a novel set in the 1970s in the Catalonian village of Tossa de Mar where a small group of revolutionaries imagined independence from Madrid and tried to act on their ideals--the novel dramatizes the dedication and plight of their failed movement.
While Neil kept returning to Tossa over the course of 40 years to meet up with other returning friends, he was also a traveler of the world. Africa was one of his passions and he published a vivid chapbook, Mindful Journey: A Traveler's First Safari.
Lines from Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses" could well characterize Neil's many passionate engagements: "I cannot rest from travel; I will drink life to the lees."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Lehrman
Sponsored by Merrilll Leffler.
Harald Stroh
July 6, 2025
My dear Neil or better Captain America,
we met for the first time in my Kiku's Bar...your order was two fingers of whisky...after that we became friends...and met again in 2002 in Tossa...then again in your home in San Francisco...Laura (my daughter) and I spent a good time with you.
At the moment I speak for my two daughters and 5 grandchildren...experienced stories...in which of course you also play a role...
Through my friend Karin from Munich...who is a medium...I will
Frank Carbone and family
March 8, 2025
Neil, after 10 years, you are still missed.
James Mckenzie
March 9, 2024
Back to your favorite spot Neil where it was your goal to trek every visit . Don´t think you ever failed to do it which always signaled your invitation to return on your next visit top of the castle of course .Tossa of course ! Well done my mate . We ll make the journey for you again . Good times and lots of laughs
McKenzies
March 7, 2023
Will be in Tossa June and will be sure to check the stone markers we left for you along with the view
Frank
March 6, 2023
Hi Neil,
We're still thinking of all the good times we had together
Frank and family
Jim mckenzie
November 30, 2022
Missed and thought of often
Happy birthday my old friend
Frank Carbone
November 28, 2022
Happy Birthday, Neil. You are remembered and missed. Frank
McKenzie´s
March 6, 2022
Another year passed Neil and you are still often in our thoughts.Tomorrow the 7th Jessica arrives home from Australia and no doubt we will be running through our travel stories we had together in Aus.2 years of travel restrictions would not have sat well with you so we will continue to follow your lead We to can not rest from travel. Say hello to your old mate Sean who joined you a few weeks ago
Frank
March 5, 2022
Thinking about you, Neil.
Ben (McKenzie Fam)
November 30, 2021
Always remembered Neil and never forgotten. Keep Rambling mate xx Ben (Yumi, Azumi & Mili) Brisbane Australia
McKenzie Family
November 29, 2021
McKenzie Family
November 29, 2021
McKenzie Family
November 29, 2021
McKenzie Family
November 29, 2021
Ambleside ramblers look at the eyes some night out
Dinner with Jess in Adelaide
And where it all began Tossa de mar
Miss you Neil so many years
Frank, Michael, Nicholas, Jessica, and Beatrice
November 28, 2021
Happy Birthday, Neil. Some of us went to Al Pompiere last night and had a toast in your honor. You are missed. Frank, Nicholas, Michael, Jessica, and Beatrice
Frank
March 7, 2021
Hey Neil,
I was remembering the good times today.
Frank Carbone
November 28, 2020
Today is Neil's birthday; I think he would have been 81. I came across this picture of him at one of his favorite spots in Rome: the grave of the romantic poet John Keats. There's now a bench in Neil's honor just across from the grave.
Jan Feghia
March 16, 2020
Always in our hearts..we miss you
James Mckenzie
March 15, 2020
Missing our laughs and conversation
Jim Jan Mckenzie
alain godefroy
March 14, 2020
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.
Yeats
Ste Victoire Mountain France, near Aix en Provence
Aix en Provence Ste Victoire a place you liked Love xxAlain and Annie
alain Godefroy
March 14, 2020
Alex
March 14, 2020
Great Photo, and yes he will always be missed. Forever in our memories x
Neil, you are missed.
Frank
March 13, 2020
Neil, you continue to be missed.
March 9, 2019
will remember you in Tossa this year Neil. Love, Paula
Ste Victoire near Aix france
March 9, 2019
Thinking of you Neil , blue sky andsunshine in Aix en Provence a place I know you liked x
alain godefroy
March 9, 2019
Peter Mckenzie
March 8, 2019
Here in Sydney with family and friends 4 years on
passing the restaurants and Bars we shared such great times in our hearts always Mckenzie family
June 22, 2018
In tossa Neil , checked your resting place here and re organised your stones overlooking the magnificent views we always shared .the Mckenzie's xx
Ramona Rey
June 21, 2018
I'll see you in Rome old friend.
Donald Sambucci
June 20, 2018
Miss you Neil. The San Francisco Giants aren't the same without you.
Congratulations on your new bench!
June 20, 2018
In honor of Neil, a bench has been placed in in front of the grave of Keats at the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome. When in Rome, Neil would spend hours there, sitting in front of Keats's grave, reading his poetry. The bench has the following inscription:
Neil Lehrman
1939-2015
Friend, Uncle, Godfather, the Captain
I cannot rest from travel,
I shall drink life to the lees.
March 19, 2016
Neil it still doesn't seem real! Thinking about you mate. Love Ben, Yumi, Azu and our latest addition, Mili Masuda Kevans xx
Zig Zag Railway Lithgow - New South wales, Australia 2008
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
Three Sisters - Blue Mountains, Sydney Australia. 2008
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
Leura - Blue Mountains - Sydney 2008
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
Zig Zag Railway Lithgow - New South wales, Australia 2008
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
Zig Zag Railway Lithgow - New South wales, Australia
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
Leura - Blue Mountains - Sydney 2008
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
Zig Zag Railway Lithgow - New South wales, Australia
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
About to eat Aussie Fish n Chips in Brooklyn - New South Wales
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
Quick Pitstop - Neil enjoying the Aussie coastline!
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
Leura - Blue Mountains - Sydney October 2008
Ben Kevans
March 19, 2016
godefroy alain
March 18, 2016
Thinking of you old Buddy, xx
Pete Mckenzie
March 12, 2016
One year on missing your phone calls with all your plans for the trips to come we will be checking on you in Tossa in June
So for all of us Love life and enjoy
Hamilton Agnew
March 12, 2016
When I visit San Francisco I have always spent time with Neil, but last July this usually vibrant city seemed a little emptier without him.
March 11, 2016
How quick did that year go !! Missing you my friend love Jim jan Mckenzie x
Grace Cavalieri
March 7, 2016
And that Neil had such a friend as Merrill, what more could any of us ask.
Robb Schaller
September 11, 2015
I was Neil's haircutter in Cow Hollow for 40 years. He was a man of many interests, from travel to family to poetry to baseball. We had many conversations and a friendship. I miss him.
Renee Grossi
June 10, 2015
I had the opportunity to help Neil with his Medicare health plan that he was on for the past year or two.
His family and friends are sure to be filled with loving memories of their time with Neil.
My condolences and prayers are with those whom were close to Neil.
God Bless,
Renee
John and Cathy Sculley
May 6, 2015
What terrible news. Neil was our neighbor on 19th St. in Pacific Grove. We instantly bonded. He was so kind and generous. We will always cherish the time we spent with him. With love to you always, Neil.
May 1, 2015
Neil, having been friends of my uncles - Jim and Pete since you met in Tossa de Mar many moons ago, you became part of our family. Despite living on the other side of the world it was the norm that you would not only visit us all in GY on regular occasions, but the majority of family holidays we took you would be there sharing the good times!! Having known you Neil for most of my life, I have so many fond, happy and funny memories of our times together. These being from as far back as seeing you at the Mckenzie's spiritual home - grandads house - 2 Beverley Crescent, to sat chatting with you in the Sidewalk over GY Haddock & chips, to visiting you with Pete in San Fran and our road trip to stay in your holiday house down the coast passing through Carmel and Monterey, to tasting my first ever Paella that you ordered one sunny lunchtime in Tossa and of course the 3 pairs of black eyes we shared during one of the most memorable family holidays in the Lake District. Haha, However despite all these great memories, it is the most recent ones that are more personal to me. Having moved to the other side of the world myself, to Sydney - Australia back in 2007 to be with my wife Yumi, you came to visit on a 2 or 3 occasions and I guess it was these trips that I ( and my wife - Yumi) got to know you more, not just as my uncles friend from Tossa but in fact as 'my Friend'. We was fortunate to do the Sydney tourist bits together, and I am so grateful you invited us to watch La Boheme at the Sydney Opera House. Neil... you was right (with that glint in your eye and the smile you gave me), this experience cultured me. We also was lucky enough to go to the blue mountains for a day, take a road trip up the coast to Terrigal and fly over to Melbourne for a few days. As all of them will always be....these were fab times and I will always remember them as will I always remember you saying......'the words.......God dam' on a couple of occasions!..........well that's exactly what Ive been thinking since I heard you have taken your seat upstairs so to speak. Neil although I am sad that you are no longer gracing this earth with your presence and offering your words of wisdom, my only regret is that you never got the chance to meet our daughter - Azumi and our next one that's currently cooking in the oven. I want you to kow that you live on in our hearts, mind and spirit, be rest assured you won't be forgotten now or ever ( besides I now have to finally read your book Perdut). Sending all our love Your Aussie Prince Ben x (Yumi, Azu and bump) x PS Neil, until we meet again..... please keep my seat warm ;-) x pps some photos to follow
Irene Howarth
April 30, 2015
Tossa de Mar won't be the same this year, but we will raise a glass or two remembering fond memories of the 60/70s. Wise words from a wise man.
Rest in peace x
Alex Mckenzie
April 29, 2015
Well Uncle Neil I have so many thoughts and memories of our times together. You first entered my life on the day that I was born 28th October 1983, you arrived into Grimsby to see The Mckenzie clan and I arrived into the world at the same time. Perfect timing in my eyes. So you have been a part of my life from day one and I cherish that.
Myself and the Mckenzie family have had the honour to have shared so many times together with you whether it be in Grimsby, the Lake district, San Fran or all of ours second home, that is Tossa De Mar. So many laughs and great times on every occasion. Your words of wisdom will never leave my mind it was always a pleasure to hear them. When I visit Tossa this year for our annual trip I'll be sure to walk up the castle as you loved to do and look up and think of you, and then on the evening with a smile and a tear raise a valentines for you in our favourite bar.
We will miss you Neil, but we shall carry you in our thoughts and hearts forever.
Alex
Hills of Provence
Alain Godefroy
April 29, 2015
Neil, dear friend, I wish I was as talented as you were to find and write essential words.So many conversations we had are still echoing in my head .You shone a light wherever you went, old buddy and I feel privileged to have spent quality time with you in England , France and Spain. I will never thank you enough for bringing the clan together in 1994 in the Lake District when Jackie passed away and I do remember those long walks , and our soulful conversations early in the morning .A generous and loving Man . It's not over Neil, until we meet again let's have plenty of laughters, let's discover more of the World , let's have a feast of it all. Goddammit !!
Alain
Paul
April 28, 2015
Neil, thanks for the laughs, the smiles ....forever part of the Mckenzie Clan and Ambleside "Mckenzie" Ramblers.
Rest in peace that you left a lasting happy legacy around the world.
Annie McKenzie
April 27, 2015
During a trip to the Lake District when I must have been 5 years old, our huge clan decided to go for a walk in Whinlatter. I at the tender age of 5 was the only child to make it to the top without help. Uncle Neil took me to the nearest toy shop and without hesitation let me choose my two favourites. I have kept Mr & Mrs Bunny to this day. I can still hear the way he said "Annie". Such a kind and generous man. I was in the Lakes when I found out about his passing and said goodbye to him there, in "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found".
Will miss you Uncle Neil. Love you X.
Adelaide May 2010
Jessica McKenzie
April 26, 2015
Uncle Neil you have been a part of our 'clan' for as long as i can remember, in Grimsby, the Lakes and always there on our trips to Tossa. I really enjoyed the Adelaide visit and getting to show you around. You were generous with your time and always left me with some words of wisdom that now are even more cherished.
I will miss you x
John
April 19, 2015
"Uncle Neil" as we called him was my godfather. Neil, Merrill, and my father were roommates during their younger days. I have found memories as a child spending time with Uncle Neil and family at the beaches here in Maryland and Delaware. He was also a kind host during my visits to California. Neil always spoke about his travels, poetry, and Giants baseball. My favorite memories were attending a U2 concert with him in June 1997 in Oakland during my first night in California, walking the Golden Gate bridge, and enjoying Calamari in Sausalito. Thank you for introducing me to fine west coast food. Uncle Neil, you will be missed!
kay and Mike Lee
April 13, 2015
We were very shocked at the news that Neil had passed away so suddenly.
Tossa De Mar won't be the same with out Neil.we met there about 15 years ago. He was a lovely man, great to talk to. he was a good listener.
you will be missed very much Neil.
Bill Brauer
April 2, 2015
Neil, I will dearly miss you and the work we did and fun we had together. And in a great act of kindness inspired by your noble soul, I forgive the Chronicle for writing an obit of you that did not even contain the word "baseball. "
April 2, 2015
Neil our friend, fond memories of your trips to Grimsby and the Lake District and the many summers spent in Tossa de Mar, our place of eternal youth. Will miss you and your words of wisdom !! You're a true legend.
Joan, Phil Caroline & Paul Jackson. Manchester UK
Ham Agnew
April 1, 2015
Neil was a great and gentle friend whom I had known since 1975 when he was my trusted advisor and valued accountant. We talked not often enough and I shall miss him very much. RIP my old friend.
Peter Mckenzie
April 1, 2015
Neil in our shared time together in places all over the world we have had such laughs and belly laughs you know I couldn't be too serious about anything in life so in death I only see a picture of laughter getting us through this time all our family will miss you always
Pete
Ps it was your round at the Diana too!
April 1, 2015
Thank you Neil for letting us sleep on your floor, for your serrated wit, for your deep generosity, for your love of words, for your love.
-- Jack & Bobbie
Sue RAMMY
April 1, 2015
Neil , my old friend of tossa de mar Spain . many years have passed but fond memories remain always in our hearts.... Whisky Sue
March 30, 2015
You will always be in our hearts and memories for the love and kindness you had for the entire Leffler family. We miss you and know you are now visiting with all my aunts, uncles and cousins who have passed on. Michelle (Leffler) and Ron Lips
James McKenzie
March 30, 2015
If i make it to Tossa this year i'll look up from 'our spot' on the beach and picture you with my pops putting the world to rights over coffee at the Diana. It won't be the same without you but you'll always be with us forever in our thoughts and our hearts. Thanks for everything Uncle Neil. Your friend James
Jim Mckenzie
March 29, 2015
Neil my friend and family for 45 years ,I have dried my eyes and smile at the memories that we have .The journeys we have shared ,the fun we have had ,the places we have been .all of them will hold thoughts of you ,and one special place that of our spiritual home of Tossa in Spain I will as I promised leave part of you there forever . I will miss you Neil your friend Jim
Susan Trishel Monson
March 26, 2015
Thank you Neil for your kindness, RIP good wander.
Frank and Brit Carbone
March 19, 2015
We will miss Uncle Neil who treated our boys like they were his, and we'll miss the Captain, the kindly curmudgeon who gave advice to "you people" on everything from packing a suitcase to making pasta. We will always keep a place for him at our table; he was a member of our family.
Dennis Gray
March 16, 2015
You are missed my friend . Dennis
Wessel Keizer
March 16, 2015
True member of the old Tossa-clan and always a little "perdut" himself.Will miss you, Neil!
bill trigg
March 15, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
paula farha
March 15, 2015
My Heart is less full now knowing that you are gone. But my memories of you and Tossa De Mar will never disappear. RIP on the beach in Tossa Neil.
roger aplon
March 15, 2015
Thinking of Neil & how the years unfolded from our first meeting at a poetry reading he was sponsoring in San Francisco when I was living in Laguna Beach to the last, summer in Tossa where we revisited our lives, recounting the best & the worst.
Patti Sundberg
March 15, 2015
Neil was a business CPA I worked with.
Smart, very knowledgeable and fun to work with. Loved the Giant's game too. God bless you Neil and keep you close.
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