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South African Dental Journal

On-line version ISSN 0375-1562
Print version ISSN 0011-8516

S. Afr. dent. j. vol.71 n.1 Johannesburg Feb. 2016

 

OBITUARY

 

Dr Harold Levenstein

 

 

13 April 1935 - 23 January 2016

 

 

This warm and sincere tribute was written by his children, Eric, Lorna and Janice, to whom are sent the deep sympathies of the Association and members. Harold was a stalwart member of the Federal Council for many years and made significant contributions to Dentistry South Africa.

Dr Harold Levenstein lived in Durban for most of his life, although he had been born in Johannesburg (in 1935) and had attended Hillel School and Jeppe High. Then to Durban High School where he matriculated and ended up living and practicing dentistry for decades in this, his home town. Harold graduated BDS from Wits in 1956, when he was 21 years old. He served as the President of the South African Dental Association (Natal Branch), was respected by his peers and was honoured for his service in the profession. My father was immensely proud of his achievements in dentistry and particularly enjoyed his involvement with SADA, of which he was extremely proud to be a member. Dentistry was his life and he loved practising and being involved in everything to do with dentistry, especially endodontics. What he enjoyed most was imparting to younger dentists his knowledge about dentistry and instilling enthusiasm for his profession to other dentists. He delivered papers, mainly on endodontics, his first love in Dentistry and published three.

We (as his children) grew up with a father who was a true professional and where he set the example of what it means to give back to his profession and to an organisation which set the standard for dentists in South Africa.

He had many interests - watching Sharks rugby with friends, playing chess and bridge. He was chairman of the Durban Jewish Tennis Club for many years, and was a member of the Durban Chess Club for over 25 years.

Harold was happily married to his beloved wife Annette for over 40 years. Annette sadly passed away in 2004, and was sorely missed by him.

Harold lived life in a quiet and dignified manner and his respect and love for his profession and for his family was well known. He was extremely organised and meticulous. Harold loved challenges and persevered in all that he did. He mastered technology in a manner which even made his grandchildren proud.

He loved his three children Eric, Lorna and Janice, his daughter in law and sons in laws Mireille, Allan and Julian and his 5 grandchildren, all boys - Darren, Justin, Michael, Daniel and Lucien.

Harold loved Durban and his community. He would often be seen walking vigorously on the Durban beachfront on a Sunday morning with his friends.

Due to his illness, Harold moved into Beth Shalom late last year. He was very happy there, interacting with the other residents and wonderful staff. He passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on Saturday 23 January 2016.

He will be fondly remembered by his children, family and friends.