Obituary of Alfred A. Levinson

Dr. Alfred A. Levinson passed away at on Monday, December 12, 2005, after a long but private battle with lung cancer, at the age of 78 years. A native of Staten Island, NY, Al served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and subsequently obtained his doctorate degree in mineralogy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1952. His distinguished career as a Geologist/Mineralogist included positions at Ohio State University, Dow Chemical, and Gulf Research before he joined the University of Calgary in 1967 as Professor of Geology. During his tenure at U of C, he not only taught thousands of students, but he also served on the editorial boards of several major geological journals, edited the first scientific volumes on the rocks recovered during the 1969 Apollo 11 voyage to the moon, and authored a number of books. Shortly before his retirement from U of C in 1994, Al developed an interest in gemology that he pursued as author, editor, and lecturer until his death. In 2001, a new mineral species, levinsonite, was named in his honour. Al is survived by his sisters, Florence Spungen of Riverwoods, IL and Sheila Leventhal of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; numerous nieces and nephews; and his long-time friend Alice Keller of Encinitas, CA. A religious service was held at Temple B’Nai Tikva (900 – 47 Avenue S.W.) on Monday, December 12, 2005 at 3:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the University of Calgary at a future date, to be announced. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. In living memory of Al Levinson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.