David LEVENE Obituary

Words Cannot describe what a great man Sir David was. I was extremely fortunate to work for him for several years in the 80's. He was not just a fantastic leader who cared deeply for all those who worked for him preferring to treat everyone as friends and family rather than employees but a very astute business leader whose presence commanded respect from all associated with him. He will be sadly missed as one of businesses great trail blazers and loyal friend to many. Our sincerest sympathies to Elizabeth, Mark and families at this time.

I have fond memories of when you looked after me as a small child as your parents and my parents were great friends. Lots of love

I was sad to learn of David's passing, for
me working at Levene's was like working with family and I appreciated the great lessons learnt and the opportunities given. My deepest condolences.

I had the great privilege to work for David Levene at head office for 13 years, he was truly an extraordinary person, the care he showed to us all, was greatly appreciated, he will be sorely missed. My condolences to Mark, Liz and family.

Sad for missing a humble and thoughtful business man. 30/1/2019 had became my last meeting with David in his office. Throughout the meeting, he was still smart and sharp. My first advice about retail business from him was in 2011. I could still remember David telling me about his trip to Beijing for the Olympic Games in China. His kindness and generosity to people and community will always be remembered. It's a pity that the COVID lock down has impacted the celebration of David's life. In spite of that, we all believe you are now resting peacefully in heaven with eternal life, walking with God. We'll pray for you. Amen!

Very sad news - I was lucky enough to have David as an example, early in my career, of how leadership looked when it was caring and authentic. Even when I left a blown up Levene's van outside a U2 concert at Western Springs he was gracious with his feedback

Appreciation and love to the family from Troy Hinchco
Levenes Te Awamutu, Thames, Wairau Park

One of NZ's Retail Greats! Thank you David, my career started at Levenes and you were an incredible role model. The lessons I learnt working for you have served me well, it was like the golden era of retail with ground breaking stores and retail experiences for NZ. So glad I was part of it traveling NZ setting up stores. Loved how you also always remembered everyone's names too. Rest well

Very sad to hear of David's passing. Many hours spent with him at the office,in the stores, or at the paint & wallpaper factories. We would travel around the out of Auckland stores frequently & the world was sorted by the time we returned! Sincere sympathy to Elizabeth, Mark & families.

David you were a dear friend and I thank you for your support during dad's illness. Such a kind warm and generous man, who's now on "the golf course in the sky " too. A wonderful soul has left our earth but forever in our hearts and memories.
Love from Bronwen and Jack Stanfield and Patricia Osmand

Rest in Peace Friend, Condolences to Elizabeth ,Mark and the Family.
We have lost a great man who will be missed by many.

David & Coral Carter Auckland

Everything said below sums up Mr Levene. A truly lovely man, kind, never saw him any other way. I was employeed in the Pukekohe store from its opening and am really saddened to hear of his passing. Thank you Mr Levene for all the kindness you shouwed so many people. Rest peacefully,

Words, no matter how kind, can't mend the sadness of loosing a lifetime friend & mentor. However, it is and will always be my honour and comfort to have been receive those consolations and support from you that will stay with me.

Thank you for your legacy over the past 30 years.
May you rest in peace

Met Mr Levene (David) around 40 years ago while employed at the Pukekohe store. He was a wonderful leader, kind and caring to his staff and their families.. always taking the time to ask how the children were. He had a huge capacity to "rally the troops" and will be remembered and missed by many. It was truly sad news to learn of his passing.

New Plymouth Boys' High School acknowledges the passing of a very distinguished Old Boy Sir David Levene. Sir David was at school from 1943-1946 and was inducted into the school's Alumni Merit in a special ceremony in March 2012. Sir David was one of our proud Old Boys' who gave tireless service to business and the community, as well as a very supportive Old Boy of his School.

Sorry to hear of David's passing.He was the kind other half of Billie who was a lifetime friend of the late Nonie Twidle. David was always willing to give a helping hand.

From the family of the late Nonie & Kingsley Twidle

n 2001 David Levene allowed us to buy The vacant Levenes Building in Papakura for Gateway Community Trust. After researching our organisation and being convinced we were a worthy recipient he passionately represented us to his team and helped us negotiate a lower than market value for the building. Sincerely honoured to have met him in person, to have been inspired by his business sense and humbled by his benevolence. Bruce Benge

I will never forget David and the caring and kind employer that he was. He treated us all like family and will be sadly missed.

David Levene helped me finance my way through University by providing me, from 1971 to 1978, with evening, weekend and University Break employment while I studied for an MSc in Chemistry at Auckland University. That employment sparked my interest in paint and led to my lifetime employment in the Coatings Industry from which, at the age of 68, I am now semi-retired. I will always be grateful to this true gentleman of the Coatings Industry for the opportunitied he gave me and the lifetime career direction he provided.

David Levene gave me my first full time job back in the late 1970's at Hunters Corner Papatoetoe. He treated me extremely well and he even sponsored me on my motorcycle road race machine. He was a very kind, intelligent gentleman and it was a privilege to know him. Regards Paul Pavletich

I'm so very sad to hear of David's passing. I will always remember sitting on the green sofa in David's office while he dictated his responses to the customer messages. A great man and I have many, very fond memories, one of which when asked for a reference for me, took great pleasure writing with a 'dummy' ref' saying I spent a lot of time 'swanning around the office.'

Lisa Claridge (Simpson)

Dear David, you've been known to the Porath family for many, many decades!
Thank you too for your amazing support of Outward Bound and for encouraging me to become a board member.
You were always someone I could ask for an opinion, and I respected your very direct and 'to the point' responses!
Our love to all your family.
Mark Porath and Porath family.

I had the great pleasure of working for David for 13 years at head office of levenes. He was a great man who genuinely cared for his staff and personally helped many. Always remember his smile and kind eyes. Condolences to the family at this sad time.
Judy Houghton

Very sad to hear of your passing.You were a kind caring person who always referred to the staff as my people.I was proud to be part of the Levene family for 16 years and loved it when you came to me asking for your "poçket money" and called me "Mrs Moneybags"
Rest in Peace David.
Joan Ashton

A sad day with the passing of my 1st boss, business mentor & great friend, who always wanted just to be called David.
David leaves a huge legacy in the 000’s of lives he’s touched through his businesses, coaching, mentoring, and genuine caring for people over a lifetime.
Thank-you David for the 48 years of genuine friendship to me & our family. Shalom my friend. Rest In Peace Roger