Barney Levenspiel

In loving memory

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Memories Archive 1

A special Wish from all the members of the Labo Organization

It was raining in Tokyo when I first received this sad news that Mr. Barney Levenspiel had passed away. On behalf of the entire Labo organization, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Barney's parents and family.

"Barney-san, you came to Labo Int'l Exchange Foundation in 1982, ever since you have dedicated yourself to the Int'l Youth Exchange program for over 22 years.We thank you, Barney, for what you have done for so many people and for us.

You worked very hard for this year's program, especially host family placement, despite the fact that you were fighting a disease. Barney, we will do our best to carry on your work and will make this year's program meaningful and successful; working and helping together with our counterparts and everyone involved."

Barney-san, we all pray for you. "Sleep in Peace."

Labo Int'l Exchange Foundation, President Hiroo Suzuki

Staff: Shozo Oya, Masa Hirano, Ryuhei Kihara, Takio Yamada, Akiyo Sugiyama, Stephanie Mynard

Kenji Yamada: kenjiy@pop21.odn.ne.jp; Tokyo Japan; Sunday July 20, 2003 05:16:26 GMT; My brother Koki and I had a first trip to the U.S. back in 1989. Barney picked us up at Sea-Tac and drove us to the apartment where Takio, our farther lived. On the way, Barney showed us around the city of Seattle. Streets, people, smell of the air, with the guide of Barney, we touched "America" for the first time. Barney, in a sense, opened the very first door of "America" - through which we had a great deal. I saw him last summer at a dinner table. With his beloved partner Lily at his side, and surrounded by his good old friends, he seemed he had a moment of joy even though he was struggling with difficult disease. Barney-san, thank you for supporting Takio, thank you for taking care of Yamadas. Gentle, smart and discreet as you were, you will live on in our hearts.
yours faithfully,
Kenji Yamada

Nancy Herron: herronj@proaxis.com; Corvallis, OR. USA; Saturday July 19, 2003 18:46:16 GMT; I have not seen Barney for many many years. I met him in high school through folkdancing- it was quite the rage. What I loved then and still remember so fondly was his intelligence and delightfully odd sense of humor. He was a real gem.

Hanagami Family: Hirokohanagami@aol.com; Tokyo Japan; Saturday July 19, 2003 15:41:53 GMT; We are so sorry to hear of Barney's passing. It came as a quite shock.We wish to extend a most sincere condolence to you and your family.We shall always remember his great works for International Exchange. Thank you, again! Please sleep in peace!
Sicerely yours,
Chie, Tae & Hiroko Hanagami

Robin Titterington: robinjt@mindspring.com; Decatur USA; Friday July 18, 2003 23:40:32 GMT; I am so sorry to hear about Barney's passing. I am his friend from our wonderful dialysis-Support group on the internet. Even though I never met him in person, I feel that he is part of our "Family." He was always willing to try the newest things, he was a pioneer. And I know how many prayers were lifted up that his transplant would "kick-in." He is missed. May the Lord give you peace.