Neill Levy was a well-liked classmate, kindly and courteous and exceptionally good humoured.  He spent his first two years at DHS in the Latin class, and his final two years in the newly created Advanced Maths classes.  In school and throughout his life Neill was a keen and often amused observer of the passing human parade.   

After school Neill did military service in the army, and then attended the University of Natal, where he took a BA and then an LLB degree.  After graduating he worked as a lawyer in Durban.

Neil married June Levitan in 1970.  They had four daughters:  Kathleen, Sharon, Belinda, and Carla.

Neil was a keen athlete after leaving DHS.  He started running in 1971, and ran the Comrades Marathon nine times.  He here he is seen seen topping one of the hills with classmate Trevor Falkson.

In 1989 the family emigrated to the United States,  where Neill secured a job with a law firm in central Los Angeles.  He later established his own firm, specializing in trademark law, and moved to the Los Angeles suburb of Chatsworth. (The hills that dominate the suburb were once used by Hollywood studios for films ranging from cowboy movies with Roy Rogers, to epics such as Ben Hur.)

Neill was a keen supporter of Class of 1961 activities.  He attended our American regional reunion in Toronto in 2012 -- Neill is on the right.

He also attended our gathering in Morocco in 2018.   Here is feasting at one of our grand dinners!

And Neil and June did not miss our 61 Year Grand Reunion in Israel in 2022 --

At all these events Neill showed evident delight at reconnecting with old comrades from more than a half a century ago.

Neill continued his enthusiasm for running in America.  When he couldn't run any more he swam at the YMCA, and when he couldn't swim any more,  he did a lot of walking.

Neill loved listening to classical music and keeping up with current events.

Neil practiced Judaism throuhgout his life.  He was an active member of the Chabad community in Chatworth.

And Neill especially enjoyed spending time with his four daughters and seven grandchildren:

Unfortunately Neill was diagnosed with cancer in 2012.  The disease spread to his spine in 2021, which involved a difficult surgery with follow-up chemotherapy.  It took great physical  courage and determination for Neill to attend our 61 year reunion in Israel in 2022.  Unfortunately his condition gradually worsened in 2024 after hip surgery, until in mid 2025 a hospice was set up in his home to make his last days comfortable.  

Neill passed away at home on 19 July, 2025.  His wife, children and grandchildren spent his final day with him.

Neill Levy is survived by his wife of 55 years, June;  his four daughters Kathleen, Sharon, Belinda, and Carla; and his seven grandchildren Amanda, Stephanie, Andrew, Noam, Adam, Sarah, and Tehila.

         [Special thanks to June Levy for her help with this In Memory notice.]