In Memory: Leonard Levine, former Pacific Instructor

Leonard Levine, former Pacific Instructor, died Apr. 8, 2019, at age 90. He attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., and then Columbia University in New York City, N.Y., to earn his PhD. He was inducted into the army during the Korean War and served as a medical researcher at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. In 1960, he was the recipient of a postdoctoral U.S. Public Health Service Fellowship and studied under Nobel Prize winner Sir Bernard Katz, in London, England. He was one of two researchers selected by Sir Bernard to continue his research in electrophysiology.

Upon returning from England, Levine taught at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and became one of the youngest tenured professors. His love for the Pacific Northwest lead him to eventually teach at Pacific’s College of Optometry in 1966, and spent the next 28 years there. He became a distinguished professor and was presented with the first “Outstanding Teacher” award by his students.

Following his retirement, he volunteered at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Holocausts Research Center for over 20 years, digitalizing the museum’s collection of recordings of holocaust survivors and community leaders to preserve their history. He enjoyed running, hiking and mountain biking. He is survived by his wife, Nira; children, Laurie (and Mike) and Ron (and Connie); two grandchildren; and sisters, Florence, Loretta and Eleanor.