Kenneth Donald Levack
On Saturday, October 30, 2021, Kenneth Levack, known to his friends as “Lefty” passed away at the age of 68 at the Keuka Lake Care Home in Penn Yan, NY. He was born January 31, 1953, in Elmira NY. He was a veteran of the US Navy and awarded the National Defense Service Medal for service during the Vietnam War. His lifelong passions were chess, classical music and traveling. He was a brilliant chess player and enjoyed playing speed chess. He was also a lifelong fan of the NY Giants, who he admired for “hanging tough” even when they were losing. His last 15 years he spent in Santa Barbara, CA and before that 10 years in the Chicago area. He made friends wherever he went and loved to strike up a conversation and meet new people. Among many friends he made in Santa Barbara who showed him kindness were Frank Hernandez, Bouloor Shafiei, Johanna Dwyer, Jim Spaulding, Geoffrey Jensen, Michelle Hindman, Dinah Parker, Buck and Mary. Kenneth was a very unique individual who marched to the beat of his own drummer.
Kenneth is predeceased by his parents Donald George Levack (2019) and Louraine “Rosie” (Smith) Levack (2012). He was beloved by his mother, who always enjoyed spending time with Kenny, as she called him. He is also predeceased by his sister Priscilla Ellen Spencer (2019).
Kenneth is survived by Margaret Ann (Caporiccio) Levack with whom he shares two children, Christine Elizabeth Beecken (Tim Dolley) and Matthew Kenneth Levack (Rachael McCrone Levack), and grandchildren Isabella Rose Beecken, Alexander Sebastian Beecken, Katherine Elizabeth Beecken and Dominic William Levack.
A special thanks to the Keuka Lake Care Home who provided hospice care for the last month of his life with the utmost kindness and compassion.
Words of Condolence and Memories may be shared at www.jarmuszcottonfuneralhome.com. Interment will be private at Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, NY.
My friend Lefty was a good and true friend. He was a man of wonder. In so many ways larger than life, he was the stuff people are inspired by, living true to his moral sense, always loyal and helpful to a friend in need. Resourceful and clever, witty beyond measure. He had an eloquence all about him. In form, in word and when the pen came out magic flowed. I look up to him, I respect him and it’s hard to believe he’s really gone now.
He lived free that was so important to him. It wasn’t easy, we commented to each other more than once how freedom costs more than some would imagine. Oh and he was tough, and he seemed so capable and unstoppable always. We would talk for hours and discuss things and regale each other; laughter could always be heard as he was as clever as Mark Twain, although unlike Mr Clemens in white, my friend Lefty preferred to dress in all black. He was also an enthusiast when it came to surprises aimed to delight his friends, he appreciated punctuality, and he carried a rolodex in his mind.
He wrote the 11 Commandments, rightfully proud of those words we displayed them, and to this day they still encourage their readers to live in a manner that carries dignity and honor – a guide on how to be a decent person.
Well my friend, I guess you finally made it to that rendezvous, I wish you were still here, but I know you have well earned this rest. I will miss you for all of the days I remain. There is no one like you, and you will forever have left a mark on those who cared to listen. I will hold the memories in my heart forever, I’ll need them to keep at this brutal life. I love you and wish you peace.