Louis Levine
Husband, father, grandfather, brother, lifelong teacher, bibliophile. Born Nov. 15, 1925, in Toronto. Died June 9, 2011, in Toronto of heart failure, aged 85.
Louis Levine was known for his gentle nature, sunny smile and passion for teaching. Born in Toronto to Sam and Rose Levine, recent arrivals from Poland, Louis was brought up with his brother Max in a household that emphasized hard work, love and stability.
Louis's passion for books and learning flourished at the age of 8 during a prolonged convalescence from a ruptured appendix. A photograph shows him in bed surrounded by a veritable fortress of books, presaging his lifelong pursuit of learning and book collecting.
Louis excelled at Harbord Collegiate Institute, then studied math, physics and chemistry at the University of Toronto, earning an MA by 1949.
When he met Freda Borkowitz he found her natural intellect and zeal for learning irresistible. They married in 1946. Freda worked full-time to support his intellectual pursuits, including completion of course requirements for a PhD in math.
The young couple celebrated the arrival of five children in just over eight years. Their second child and only girl, Carol, was born with a severe genetic disease and died at age 5. The care she required forced Louis to abandon his quest for a PhD. He was fortunate to partner with his father and brother in operating Spadina Carwash.
Louis's passion for teaching and learning continued. He read complex math textbooks when he wasn't pumping gas and began tutoring relatives and friends. He created a stimulating atmosphere of learning in the family home in North York.
In 1965, he made a courageous career change by completing his teacher's certificate course after several summers of intense study. He became a dedicated high-school mathematics teacher, quickly rising through the ranks to become the head of department after a few years. One memorable summer he had his nephew Bob as a student. Taking Bob's cue, the whole class called him Uncle Lou.
After retiring in 1990, Louis tutored a second generation of students, mostly the children of nephews and nieces as well as his nine grandchildren.
In his latter years, a mild form of multiple sclerosis and several small strokes impaired his energy and short-term memory. His increasing dependence was made easier by his attitude of acceptance and gratitude. Recently hospitalized for a month, he charmed his nurses, who enjoyed receiving impromptu math lessons. He spent his last few weeks at home with an equally charmed caregiver.
Louis's influence as a teacher extended well beyond mathematics. He taught his family about the importance of dedication, stability, gratitude, grace and unconditional love. He will be missed.
Mark, Richard, Gerald and Charles Levine are Louis's sons.