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JACK LEVIT It is with heavy hearts and the deepest of sorrow that we share the passing, with family by his side, of our beloved husband, father, and zaida, Jack Levit, on November 13, 2014. Born on June 28, 1927, he lived all his life in Winnipeg's north end, attending the Peretz Folk School, Machray School and St. John's High. Dad and Mom were married over 64 years. Their unwavering commitment to each other started when they were teenagers, Mom being Dad's greatest supporter, inspiration and advisor. A loving and dedicated son, Dad began his working career with his father, in the sign business. Together they grew their small business into one of Canada's largest private neon sign companies, being the first to introduce lighted plastic signs to Western Canada. Dad was a true visionary. In the 60s and 70s, where others saw barren pieces of land, he saw the potential for bustling development. He taught himself the real estate business and in 1964 started Lakeview. At the age of 35, he turned a city block into the Courts of St. James which included Western Canada's first underground walkway, connecting three apartment towers to the complex's shopping centre. This was followed by his development of projects that forever changed the Winnipeg skyline including Lakeview Square, Colony Square, the Intercity Gas Building, the Royal Trust Building, as well as numerous residential, office, industrial and retail complexes including the Towers of Polo Park, Moray Village, Kenaston Estates, and the Kenaston Village Mall. Dad was also the brainchild of the Winnipeg skywalk system, building the City's first skywalk in 1972, connecting Lakeview Square to the Convention Centre. Dad was a man of determination and boundless energy. For example, he developed three Sheraton Hotels in Canada in one year alone, a feat previously unheard of. Dad later built what is now the Hilton Suites Hotel, the Sheraton Four Points and the Winnipeg Grand Hotel at the Airport as well as the Lakeview Resort and Conference Centre in Gimli. He acquired the exclusive franchise for building the Country Inns and Suites in Canada, developing 13 of these properties. Then he set his sights on developing his own brand of hotel, Lakeview Inns and Suites. Thanks to Dad's vision, over 20 such hotels proudly operate in Canada under the Lakeview Banner. But Dad did not limit himself to real estate. He developed several Ichiban Japanese Steakhouses in Canada and the United States, including one in Winnipeg which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and created a hotel in-room video entertainment system, MovieBar. Dad was a man of many interests. He performed as a vocalist in several Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, played tennis, loved theatre and music and became a star bowler, winning the City 10-pin bowling championship. Because of his passion for the game, Dad built three 10-pin bowling alleys in Western Canada. Dad loved travelling, spending wonderful times with family in interesting locations. In later years, Mom and Dad spent winters in Hawaii, where Dad relaxed, but always had his sketch pad and tracing paper nearby for when he came up with a new development idea. Underneath his accomplishments, he was a humble, down-to-earth person - a man with a deeply personal generosity, a mentor and problem-solver. He was proud of his contribution to the development of the Winnipeg Convention Centre, Kinsmen RehFit Centre, the Myles Robinson Heart Foundation and the Asper Jewish Community Campus. He served as President of the Peretz School and played a pivotal role in establishing the sister city relationship between Winnipeg and Setagaya Japan. Many of Winnipeg's entrepreneurs and professionals have recently conveyed their gratitude for the extremely positive business acumen and experience that they gained from working under his watchful eye and training. Jack Levit loved Winnipeg. He never slowed down. He was proud to have contributed to the development of the city and to the employment and well being of hundreds of our community's citizens. Lakeview, the Winnipeg Company that he created, continues to thrive five decades on. Dad always stayed true to his heart ... family first. It didn't matter how busy he was, Dad was always there for us, with love, support, advice and encouragement. He made us feel safe, special and secure - no problem was insurmountable. He took great pride in all that we did and accomplished. Predeceased by his parents William and Molly Levit and his sister Eva Moser, Dad is survived by his wife Yetta, children Diane (Raymond), Shelley (Jaye) and Keith (Linda). Grandchildren Brent, Tara, Darren, Hannah, Marina, Vanessa and Natasha. Funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue with interment at the Rosh Pina Cemetery, on November 16. Pallbearers were Keith Levit, Raymond Hall, Darren Hall, Brent Calnitsky, Tara Calnitsky, Sheldon Minuk and Michael Golub. Donations may be made to the Jewish Child and Family Service. (204) 477-7430. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die."
Publish Date: Nov 29, 2014
JACK LEVIT We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved, husband, father and zaida, Jack Levit, on Thursday, November 13, 2014. Funeral services will be held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. Longer obituary to follow
Publish Date: Nov 15, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2014
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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It was a privilege to have met Jack and have him as a great friend. He taught me so much about business and corporate politics that made it possible for me to succeed as a female in the male dominated field of advertising. He told me a story of the secret to his success and I went on to use it to my advantage over the years. The greatest advice I ever received in my journey through the business world. He was a patient, kind, and generous man. I will miss him. - Posted by: JOAN BRYAN (FRIEND) on: Sep 19, 2019
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My husband Steven Hart and I were very sad to hear of Jack's passing. My mother and father-in-law (Nat & Sylvia Hart) were not only family friends but also business partners in the Ichiban Japanese Restaurant. I know that my Nat, Sylvia and Jack are having a feast fit for Caesar right now. Condolences, Wendy & Steven Hart - Posted by: Steven & Wendy Hart (Family friends and business associates) on: Mar 29, 2015
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Dear family, when I was the Ex. asst at Ben-Gurion University Winnipeg, I go to know you farther and had the greatest respect for him. He was a true lover of Israel and a good friend. It was an honour to know man of his Caliber and he will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Maureen Anderson (knew through the Canadian Associates of Ben-Gurion University) on: Nov 29, 2014
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To the Levit Family My sincere condolences to Shelley and Yetta. - Posted by: Ruth Freedman (Alan's Mother) on: Nov 29, 2014
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Dear Yetta, Keith, Diane & families I was so saddened to hear of Mr Levit's passing I had the distinct pleasure of working at Lakeview and Mr Levit for 28 plus years. He gave me every opportunity of learning about Lakeview from the ground up. He appointed me General Manager of our rental properties in Canada @ the USAl. He later appointed me as Vice President of our Country Inn & Suites. It was a wonderful career and I enjoyed every minute of it He will be sadly missed. His contributions and impact he had on every venture he undertook will always be remembered in our great City, through out Canada and the USA The love you all shared and the memories will last forever With deepest sympathy Joyce - Posted by: Joyce Peterson (Former employee for 28 years) on: Nov 24, 2014
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I wish to extend sympathy to Diane. Your father was a remarkable and such an energetic person and I expect he inspired you creativity. I am sorry for your loss. Tom - Posted by: Tom Dojack (friend) on: Nov 24, 2014
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My deepest condolences to the Levit family. It was my pleasure to meet a kind-hearted and proud man. - Posted by: Charmaine Creer () on: Nov 22, 2014
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My sincere condolences to Yetta and Family. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Pat Lumley (Former employee) on: Nov 22, 2014
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It has been a pleasure to spend time with Jack and Yetta and family on many happy occasions. Our sincere condolences to Diane, Raymond, Darren, Yetta and to Keith and Shelley and their families. May your sadness at this time be replaced by the wonderful memories of such a dynamic person. - Posted by: Norman and Beverley Keyes, Cloverdale, BC (Brother and sister-in-law to Diane Levit) on: Nov 20, 2014
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My condolences to the Levit family. Mr. Levit was a very energetic man full of ideas and with those progressive ideas helped build the downtown Winnipeg and so many other areas of the city. His foresight will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Carol Lee (former employee from 1974 into the 1980's) on: Nov 20, 2014
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Our sincere condolences to the Levit family. - Posted by: Louis and Cristi Wong (Former employee of Mr. Levit) on: Nov 18, 2014
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Our sincerest condolences to the Levit family. Darren is our colleague and has spoken very fondly of his grandfather. We hope that your memories bring you comfort at this time of great sadness. Sincerely, Carolyn Cudmore and Julie Mann Embassy of Canada Washington, DC - Posted by: Carolyn Cudmore (Colleague of Darren Hall) on: Nov 17, 2014
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My deepest sympathy to the Levit Family. I was Mr. Jack Levit's secretary from 1979 to 1991 and enjoyed working for Mr. Levit and Lakeview Development Ltd. Mr. Levit was a wonderful family man and inspired and always encouraged his family and staff to reach their desired goals in life. It is due to the knowledge and experience that I gained at Lakeview that I was able to own and operate two successful business ventures. I feel humbled and privileged to have known the Levit Family. My husband, Garth, and I will always remember and appreciate Mr. Jack Levit and his family for their kind hospitality, friendship and good advice over the years. Sincerely, Doreen & Garth Skinner - Posted by: Doreen Skinner (Personal Secretary from 1979 - 1991) on: Nov 17, 2014
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Our sincere condolences to the Levit family, Mr Levit was always excellent to work for, a straight shooter who let you know either way. He was a great ambassador for the Hospitality Industry who helped forge careers and lives of many. Jeff & Nancy Gill - Posted by: Jeff Gill (Former Employee) on: Nov 16, 2014
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Sincerest condolences to the Levit family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time of loss. Jack Levit had many dreams that will live on through his family. - Posted by: Jeannette & Bill Clarke (Employee ) on: Nov 16, 2014
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Our sincere condolences to the Levit Family. Mr Levit will be missed by all at Lakeview. - Posted by: Angie & Ray Stephenson (Employee) on: Nov 16, 2014
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Thinking of you. Treasure the memories. - Posted by: Marty and Roz greenfeld (Friends) on: Nov 15, 2014
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Our sincere condolences. Jack was an amazing person and a great employer. My start in the sign business was through Jack. That career became my life's work for the following 50 years. - Posted by: Frank & Anne Shymko (Employee) on: Nov 15, 2014
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Our sincere condolences to the Levit family. - Posted by: Nina Duke (retired employee of Lakeview) on: Nov 15, 2014