Such a fine young fellow. Such a loving family. Words seem so inadequate.

Dear Shirley & Ron,
I was beyond shocked to learn of your loss just yesterday (Mar. 30,2008). Randy and I moved to Vancouver Island in late May, 2007, so although this terrible tragedy must have gotten much press, we never heard anything about it. Now I cannot stop thinking about how fragile life is, and how very precious. You and Ron have been such wonderful parents to Leejay, Casey and Elli, right now I am moving through my initial shock into anger that something so devastating would happen to such a great family. It was my privilege to know Leejay and Casey when they were little, while Ron and I were in the early years of writing/performing the RONNO songs ... and then that poem I wrote for Elli ... it's all coming back to me now, and I can't even imagine how painful this loss has been for your close knit family. And everybody loses, we all lose when the world loses such a promising and caring young man way before his time. I admire everything you are doing to celebrate Leejay's gifts and honour his memory. Be strong.
Sending you hugs,
Judy & Randy Millar

To Ron, Shirley, Casey, Eli, Charlotte and Marty and the entire Levene family;
I just wanted you to know that I have the 2008 calendar you created with Leejay's art work displayed in my office. While I didn't know Leejay personally, the calendar gives me a glimpse of Leejay; a remarkable, sweet and talented son, brother and grandson. My thoughts are with you through this most difficult time.

Warm Regards,
Wendy Kosky and Vern Freedlander

This is sad to hear that Leejay only 18 years of age passed away.
I didn't actually know him, but he was a member of Devil's Glen. I am a new member at Devil's Glen, i have skied there now since i was 8 years old. I am really sorry to hear this. Well i hope you have a good Holiday.
Love Meg Carlisle
P.S. I care about everyone especially pple that skied at Devil's Glen
xxoo

I heard about Leejay's passing while I was working at a different summer camp this summer. I was in a cabin with Leejay for at least 4 or 5 years at Arowhon and I was deeply saddened to hear the news. Leejay was a great guy who always had a smile on his face. It's disappointing that I haven't seen him for a few years because Leejay lit up every room he entered. My condolences to the Levine family.

Shirley, I just heard about this unfortunate turn of events from Lisa Folger. I remember you from a few years ago and how friendly you were and I feel very badly for you and, of course, your son. And I hope that you and your family find the strength to lead a happy life in spite of what has happened.

During my second year at Camp Arowhon. Leejay was one of my CIT's in Cabin 9. I always knew Leejay as a great guy who put smiles on all of our faces. I just wanted to say how great of a guy Leejay was and how we all miss him at camp.

Dear Shifra, Ron, Casey & Eli,
We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Leejay. At the shelter we have been working to come up with a fitting tribute to honor the work and life of Leejay. Employees and the board of directors wanted to create a legacy in his honour that would convey his passion for helping the cats at the shelter and his desire to make a difference in their lives. We wanted to create a memorial that would live on and help give added meaning to Leejays' life and accomplishments.
Inspired by Leejay we have created the "K-W Humane Society Feline Enrichment Program".
The enriched living program will include "cat mats", a unique kind of carpet mat that is temporarily attached to the wall of their pod; this encourages them to play, and therefore leave their scent on the mat.
Once adopted, the cat mat goes along with the cat, providing them a familiar object to take to their new home, thereby easing the transition and reducing stress.
Also, cat toys to promote curiosity and activity, and blankets for warmth and comfort.
Most importantly it will insure the continuation of the volunteer program for the interaction of volunteers with the cats and kittens

We are in the process of having the plaques made and planning the dedication ceremony. Once a date has been established, it is our hope the friends and family will attend the dedication.

We will always remember Leejay. Leejay Levine made a difference here!
Your love and dedication as parents helped make Leejay the very special person he was!

Fondly,
Arlene

After reading this extraordinary tribute, it is apparent that Leejay touched the lives of an entire community, in life and in death. The courage and strength demonstrated by the Levene family is admirable. The generosity you have shown by providing this vehicle for sharing and healing is inspiring. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Melissa Dennison

Shirley and Ron,

After talking with you at the BBQ I did google Leejay and found this website. In reading the message and your reply to Dr. Plaxton please let me know if I can help in any way with the calendar you are planning. You are an amazing family - Shirley - I will give you a call this week. I think about you every day.

Hi everyone. I still haven't got it out of my mind when Shirley called about Leejay. I did not hear of the event as I was travelling at the time. It has been 3 days now and it saddens me to think how it all happened and how it could have happened to anyone going in for a routine extraction. All 3 of my kids have gone through this procedure and how we think all is easy and safe. I think about this often as Leejay was a nice boy in my class whom I got to know in a very special way.

Leejay was such a nice, polite student and I enjoyed his company in my class at WCI. The Levene's were the first family (and only family) that I attended dinner at in their home in the 30 years I was a teacher. Leejay sat beside me and we shared an evening together meeting his parents, brothers and grandparents. We toured their home and art collection and checked out the boys creative space and their projects and special interests. I felt connected and privedged to experience such a rare ocassion.

My thoughts and blessing to the Levene's as they show great courage and fortitude that we all take as lessons in dealing with unfortunate trama.

Leejay's quiet nature and warm spirit will sadly be missed by all that knew him, especially his grade 11 art teacher. I feel privileged to have known him and his family.

I was very saddened to read of Leejay's death in the newspaper. You may not remember me, but at my previous clinic I was one of the veterinarians who treated Lola. I recall Leejay's involvement with the Humane Society and his love of animals, especially Lola. Please accept my sincere sympathy. My prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kathleen Knight
Laurelwood veterinary Hospital

Friends,

I never knew Leejay in life.

I met this young man, instead, at a most difficult time - for he and his wonderful family and friends. During those trying days, our hospital staff and the Levene family spent much time together, and I believe together found unusual strength to cope through tragedy.

On behalf of myself, my Critical Care staff, and our entire hospital community, our deepest condolences go to Leejay's family and friends on the loss of this remarkable and gifted young man. We were and remain privileged to have cared for Leejay and the entire Levene family.

Sincerely,

William R. Plaxton MD FRCPC MBA
Chief, Critical Care Medicine
Founder, Sapphire Healthgroup Inc.
Waterloo, ON