Earlier this evening we lost the patriarch of our family, Floyd Levin, quite un-expectantly at the age of 84. He passed away without warning at home with his wife of 65 years, Lucille (they were married at just 19.)
A great husband, father, grand-father and most recently very proud great-grandfather to Sydney ... he will be greatly missed by all family and friends.
Floyd was also a great jazz historian and his personal interactions with many Jazz greats including Louis Armstrong, Duke
Ellington, Barney Bigard, Benny Bigard and Artie Shaw to name just a few fueled his passion for this musical genre. His book won the praise from many.
He will be most missed by Lucille, my grandmother, and loving wife of 65 years. We take comfort in knowing that he did not suffer from illness or tragic accident...it was simply his time. A shock to us all but... a reminder to live your life to its fullest each and every day.
Grandpa was an inspiration to me and will live on in everlasting memory.
UPDATE: His obituary in the LA Daily News can be found here.
UPDATE #2: His funeral services will take place Friday, February 2, 2007 at 3:00PM at Mount Sinai in Hollywood Hills, CA
UPDATE #3: The LA Daily News ran a second editorial-driven obituary here.
UPDATE #4: Hat-tip to Dan Del Fiorentino for his post and video on my Grandfather's passing.
UPDATE #5: Dennis McClellan, with input from Dan Del Fiorentino, wrote a wonderful piece about Grandpa in the Los Angeles Times.