Thellea Leveque From Dixie Noble: Gary was a wonderful man. Although our marriage didn’t last, he was a fantastic dad to our daughter, Thellea, and I have many fond memories of our time together. We met in a medical research lab. He was handsome and had a brilliant mind. During the first 3 years, we had a wonderful relationship, mostly fun and some times serious. It was strenuous for both of us, as he completed his PhD in brain research. He was friends with his colleagues who were quite impressed with his expanse and depth of knowledge. After 3 years of our companionship, we were married in 1972. He decided to become a medical doctor. We applied to several med schools, but UCLA, familiar with his abilities, grabbed him before any other school could accept him. He was allowed to skip the first year of med school, because he was asked to teach histology for first year students. Here are some outstanding events in our time together. We watched the first landing on the moon, he encouraged me to complete my BA in art, opened a boutique in Brentwood, shared brain research, and had a lovely bungalow high in Beverly Glen Canyon. Later, we lived in a studio apartment in Santa Monica. We attended many enjoyable entertainment events. He loved sports, ice hockey and baseball. In 1973, we spoke of having a child. When Thellea Joelle Kukes was born, it was pure joy. We successfully completely a natural childbirth, November 24, 1974, 11:15 AM. When Thellea was about 3 years old, we attended med school graduation. After she had seen a couple of graduations, she insisted on wearing her Black Mickey Mouse hat to his graduation. Commonly, a med school family experiences some very stressful times. We had an amicable divorce with carefully arranged dad’s visitations. After a couple of years, Gary met a lovely young woman, Lynn. Lynn adored Thellea, and was happy when Thellea visited. Thellea gave Lynn the name, Mitu , (2nd Mom). We have a good relationship and I’m very grateful to her for sharing our care of Thellea. Thellea visited just a few weeks before Gary passed away. Thellea walked into his room. Gary open his arms wide when he saw her and said, “this is the best day of my life!”, his last words of love for her. OOO May he walk in light, beauty, love and knowledge throughout eternity. Dixie Kukes Noble
2 months ago

Carol Eisenshtadt Gary and I went to Hampton Elementary School together. He was a very special person to me. I remember his Bar mitzvah. We had dinner with him and his wife before our 50th high school reunion. He will always be in our hearts.
3 months ago

Thellea Leveque From Bob Weiner: What a wonderful obituary and tribute to Gary. I first met him when we were freshman and in the same fraternity at the University of Michigan. He moved to California and left the magnificent winters in Ann Arbor. We reconnected many years later when he joined the Department of Pathology at the VA medical Center in Long Beach where I held a position in the Nephrology Section and Division of Nephrology, at the University of California, Irvine. Over the years Gary and I frequently had lunch together and shared our mutual wackiness. When he would go home, Lynn often would say "You must have had lunch today with Bob". In addition to his lighter side, Gary was intensely serious about a number of subjects in the political and social spheres. Also, I remember how proud he was of family and friends, but especially Lynn and Thellea. Although there were times when we were distant, I will always remember him as a true friend. Thank you for sending the meaningful tribute to Gary. Bob the Elder Winer (aka, Leibel ben Yosef)
3 months ago