tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post6335679237629049713..comments2024-02-24T00:29:38.877-08:00Comments on Bill Levitt (1917-2009): Peace and Powder SnowSam Dippohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168034715778503188noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-84643947923123357932010-07-14T10:51:28.424-07:002010-07-14T10:51:28.424-07:00At an impressionable period in my life Bill Levitt...At an impressionable period in my life Bill Levitt left his imprint on me and for that I'm very lucky and forever grateful. He taught me lessons in leadership, citizenship, goodness, responsibility, humility ... his virtues were numerous. He challenged others to do the best they could and strive for purpose in life beyond one's self. He was one hell of a roll model for me and many others I know. He helped point me in a direction that, in retrospect 40 years later, seems the best path I could have taken. And I love Bill for that.<br /><br />I don't remember the date in early '73 but I remember sitting in his office as he said to me "Mr. Phillips, do you aspire to be a 50 yr. old handyman or do you want to make something of yourself?". I'm sure I couldn't picture myself being 50. I'm sure I figured at the time that one could do a lot worse than reaching the age of 50 at the Alta Lodge. But I bet that I could see the correct answer here was going to be option number 2. <br /><br />Bill proceeded to convince me to return to college, get some education and become a productive member of society. He also suggested that city planning or administration would be a good course of study and I could then help him with the affairs of the new town - Alta. I think I was a bit of a disappointment deciding on computer science as my major but I knew he approved none the less. <br /><br />Years later I got to tell him how much I appreciated his advice and guidance and the positive impact he had on my life. He seemed uncomfortable accepting my praise. But he gave me a wink, nod of his head and a slight bow. That's how I'll always remember him. <br /><br />Now, with his passing, I regret that I'd seen him infrequently over the last 40 years. Some people just seem to drift away and I must be one of them. But with his passing I've reached out to renew old friendships. We were a big extended family back then and, though the patriarch is gone, those ties are still there. I'm sure that over the years that family – by blood or by association – has gotten very large. I look forward to meeting everyone I can.<br /><br />I promised Mimi back in April that I'd complete my small tribute to Bill and blog it. Its taken me longer than it should have but I'm glad to be able to share my warm and loving remembrances of Bill. Peace and Love to all. <br /><br />Paul Phillips 1968-1973 <br />handyman, bartender, wine steward, family chauffeurPaul Phillipsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-31526032553034555992010-06-16T12:27:40.552-07:002010-06-16T12:27:40.552-07:00Bill interviewed me for a job in late summer, 1970...Bill interviewed me for a job in late summer, 1970. I was so very young and confused and in spite of that, he hired me! As he did with all of us, Bill seemed to keep an eye on me and I can see that "eye roll" he had as I grew up at Alta Lodge. After many years there, I had the good fortune to take on the baker's position. He said, "This is your opportunity to do something great. Get training, buy books, I'll pay for it. Learn what you need to get good at this." I can't begin to explain how many ways Bill influenced my path. Sadly, I was not aware of his passing until recently. A bit out of the loop. But, there's not a day that goes by that I don't have some experience that goes straight back to my early roots in Alta. As a shuttle driver in Zion Nat'l Park, I have to check myself every time I announce that we are approaching Zion Lodge...I'm sure someday I'll slip and say 'Alta Lodge' from such a deep habit! Bill hasn't gone far away. A joke he told us: A visitor in Hawaii asked a "local", "How do you pronounce it: Hawaii or Havaii?" The guy says, "Havaii". "OK, thanks." "You're Velcome." What an amazing experience to have known Bill. Lots of love and great memories going out from me to the extended Levitt and Alta Family. Donna HoltDonna Holtnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-85532854354645076202010-04-18T11:39:52.966-07:002010-04-18T11:39:52.966-07:00My comment is late because I just got the news fro...My comment is late because I just got the news from Mimi. The last time I saw Bill was during<br />a wonderful evening visiting with Mimi and Bill<br />in July 2008. It was always such a privilege<br />being with him. We talked about politics part of the time although that was preaching to the choir.<br /><br />I'll add to Mimi's anecdotes about Bill's humor. A sauna was in the process of being added to Alta Lodge. One winter Bill announced<br />to the guests that the sauna was partially completed--The part where we roll in the snow.<br /><br />I'll miss him.Joe Traubhttp://www.cs.columbia.edu/~traubnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-4307179148976469822010-03-11T06:49:14.063-08:002010-03-11T06:49:14.063-08:00My family began our AL relationship twenty years a...My family began our AL relationship twenty years ago. Because of the love and warmth Bill and Mimi shared with us we decided to make our Christmas visit to Alta Lodge an annual family tradition. The first year it was the four of us, but we were soon joined by friends and other family members and one year our Christmas buffet table hosted 32 "Altaholics". Bill always came by to visit and share his wit and wisdom. We gained so much from our many chats--the simplest of which was learning the correct way to pronounce Alta! and perhaps the greatest of which was engaging in conversation that seemed to elevate you. When Bill spoke you listened, knowing you would come away richer from his words. But he was not a lecturer; rather, he listened attentively to you as well. At the end of our many discourses we hadn't solved the world's problems but we were optimistic that through effort, faith and an unwillingness to accept that which we found unacceptable simply because the fight would be hard, we felt empowered. <br />Bill cared deeply for his beloved Alta, for protecting Alta from encroachment and snowboarders, for his family and the Lodge community. We were privileged to know him and will miss him<br />so very much, but also feel that he will always be a wonderful presence in our lives.Terrie Warrennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-36746213338628642942010-03-06T11:41:30.919-08:002010-03-06T11:41:30.919-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-86596289209553957462010-03-05T19:12:21.326-08:002010-03-05T19:12:21.326-08:00Bill was a treasure and will be sorely missed.
El...Bill was a treasure and will be sorely missed.<br /><br />Ellen Temby<br />Don Temby<br />Jim Toney<br />Gene Tankersley<br />Dr. Tom Sharp<br />Annual Alta Lodge lovers from 2001 - 2008Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-7677456038398716922010-02-27T11:54:08.054-08:002010-02-27T11:54:08.054-08:00This past summer I fulfilled my lifelong dream of ...This past summer I fulfilled my lifelong dream of staying at the Alta Lodge. I was in Salt Lake City for the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in June, and came in early to spend a couple of days in the canyon. What an incredible experience! The Lodge is a home more than a hotel; I felt so welcome. It was just a couple of months after Helen had died; her photography books in the lobby opened her world to me.<br />My days of skiing are past, but I did spend a memorable week in Utah in 1996 (flew into 24 inches of fresh powder, had a few bluebird days) skiing many of the areas, but Alta was then, as it was last summer, as special as my father always said—the original, and retaining the spirit of the mountains and the best of days gone by.<br />My condolences to the Levitt and Alta family, and my best wishes for keeping the Mayor's dream alive and unspoiled. I'll be taking a membership in Friends of Alta in his honor—I wish I had done it right when I got home and not procrastinated until it becomes my own small memorial. Peace and Powder Snow!Sally Gellertnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-43016138883137283712010-02-27T10:55:31.903-08:002010-02-27T10:55:31.903-08:00One of Bill's favorite books was Riders of the...One of Bill's favorite books was Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Gray - and rightfully so because Bill was as close as they come to the hero, Lassiter, who cried "Roll back the Rock and keep us here forever together" at the top of a lost canyon in Utah. It was a cry of love for the land and of defience against those who would and spoil it's beauty<br />I directed Riders with Ed Harris and I sent a copy to Bill. The best review I every got was from him...simply "That's the way it ought to be..."<br />Just look up on the mountains and he's there guarding it all.<br /><br />Charles HaidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-35616646206273599462010-02-27T09:10:29.778-08:002010-02-27T09:10:29.778-08:00My deepest condolences to his family and long time...My deepest condolences to his family and long time friends. <br /><br />Bill used to walk around the lodge telling people that if the shit hits<br />the fan head up to Alta. He claimed he had a list and we where all on<br />it. Once we all showed up we would block off the canyon and use the<br />avalanche cannons to stand our ground! <br /><br />I honestly felt that the world was safer with Bill in it.<br /><br />I will miss his presence...Blaze Bicycleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11484107179667658883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-59332282419386346562010-02-26T16:01:26.881-08:002010-02-26T16:01:26.881-08:00To those who knew and loved Bill,
A visit to the ...To those who knew and loved Bill,<br /><br />A visit to the Alta Lodge was never complete without one of those deep conversations with Bill. I have enjoyed Bill's company over the last 30+ years as I first visited the "Alta Experience" as a young medical student and have never missed an opportunity to visit since. Toby, Bino, Marti, Marcus, Cassie, and everyone in the "Alta Family" filled in the nooks and cranies of my life with their uncanny ability to quickly get to the sense of things, so much like Bill.<br /><br />I will keep Bill in my heart as part of those great experiences in life that just filter to the top of your mind in a idle moment of thought. Bill, your wonderful spirit will live on in all those you touched.<br /><br />Steven SiepserUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16927495723829329177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-77139889504171357242010-02-15T19:03:30.632-08:002010-02-15T19:03:30.632-08:00Alta is a special place in the hearts of many peop...Alta is a special place in the hearts of many people. It has been so for me since my first visit in 1968 and in the 40 plus years since I have returned nearly every winter. Alta is really 2 elements to me - the incredible beauty of the Albion basin and the wonderful spirit of the people who make the resort possible. The Alta Lodge and Bill and Mimi are for me at the core central to my experience of Alta. I enjoyed over the years many chance encounters with Bill, in the Sitzmark, over lunch or dinner, even on the lift. He was always a charismatic, observant, and compassionate man who made even someone who he had only just met feel as welcome as an old friend. His wit and humor were as dry as Alta powder, and his marvelous observations on so many subjects could leave you wondering how he became such a person, and more importantly how you could become more like him.<br /><br />I feel very fortunate to have passed through the world when it was occupied by such great spirit, and will reflect upon my good fortune in getting to spend some time with Bill.<br /><br />Kurt TaylorKurt Taylornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-8617104699173648862010-02-02T09:06:34.482-08:002010-02-02T09:06:34.482-08:00If my memory is correct, I first met Bill Levitt d...If my memory is correct, I first met Bill Levitt during the McGovern campaign in 1972.<br /><br />And the politics continued for, well, the next 38 years: Ralph McClure, Wayne Owens, Ted Wilson, Scott Matheson, more Ted Wilson, Karen Shepherd, Peter Corroon and, of course, Obama.<br /><br />Along the way, Bill asked me to serve on the Alta Planning Commission - and that was about 25 years ago.<br /><br />We kidded Bill about the "lip lock." That was when he would plant himself at your table in The Lodge and carry on and on about this and that. Admittedly, however, I always got engaged.<br /><br />You are indeed, Bill, one of a kind. We'll miss you.<br /><br />Skip Branchskip branchnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-46267567003135136352010-01-19T16:41:35.904-08:002010-01-19T16:41:35.904-08:00My niece in Salt Lake City sent me Bill's obit...My niece in Salt Lake City sent me Bill's obituary, and I am so sad. From the time of my first visit to Alta Lodge in 1976 Bill was an inspiration to me and showed me that age does not have to limit skiing or any other healthful activities. I last saw Bill during my last visit to Alta Lodge in February 2007, when he talked about the history of Alta. And I said to myself "I hope I could be half as articulate and alert as he when and if I get to be around 90". I am 87 1/2 now and still hoping! My thoughts are with Mimi and his familyRudy Bunzlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-19094803553389669842010-01-18T19:35:59.706-08:002010-01-18T19:35:59.706-08:00Bill taught me to discern the importance of small ...Bill taught me to discern the importance of small government from the rest of government, the value of tailored authority and the necessity of helping others in a small environment. I offer condolence to us all. I will miss him.<br /><br />David BeattieDavid Beattienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-67124388373949583942010-01-14T07:30:23.897-08:002010-01-14T07:30:23.897-08:00I very briefly heard of Bill's passing when I ...I very briefly heard of Bill's passing when I came up for the torchlight on New Years Eve. I don't think I really believed it at the time. <br /><br />Bill touched everyone he met. He was a remarkable man, with a wonderful spirit. I haven't seen him since we moved back from Bend, and now wish I would have stopped in at the AL and said "hi" sometime this fall.<br /><br />Cheers, Bill. I'll think about you next time I'm on top of the High Boy looking down at that little family lodge you so lovingly led.<br /><br />-Bruce EwertBewerthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08389021459268558541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-77360251416030526362010-01-12T16:29:35.961-08:002010-01-12T16:29:35.961-08:00I first met Bill when I worked with Toby and John ...I first met Bill when I worked with Toby and John in Albion when it was located in basement quarters called Tyrol at the Lodge. Bill would come down to the office every day around 2:00 pm to pick up the closing prices on his portfolios when the stock market closed. It was a great experience working in an office located in the Alta Lodge. When the market was tanking no one could jump out the window since we were located in the basement, though John would say that to people on the phone!<br /><br />I know my sister Barbara Dunlea, who also worked at AL really appreciated Bill when he regularly participated with media events. She described him as an asset to the marketing program. When my parents went to the AL for dinners or the annual ski club party, my Dad loved to chat up the Mayor with stories about North Carolina--my Dad's home state.<br /><br />It was a pleasure knowing him. My husband Jay and I enjoyed his hospitality. What a great person! I'm sure you all miss him very much. Peace to all.<br /><br />Denise (Denny) and Jay SessionsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-87062585207689009412010-01-11T20:38:29.119-08:002010-01-11T20:38:29.119-08:00It is not an easy thing to reconcile the passing o...It is not an easy thing to reconcile the passing of a humanitarian giant with any notion of what seems proper or right. Our tiny world seems to bring less and less good news. Each of our times will doubtless come all too soon, but it is worthwhile to reflect on the impact of our predecessors.<br /> My trek through the Alta community was brief, but not without personal impact. Bill remained largely in the background, but his presence was always there. He was not particularly wordy, but his sparse words always carried extraordinary import.<br /> I recall well his oratory in the Sitzmark on New Year's Eve 1984. I was in a state, trapped somewhere between drowning in a beer and rapt infatuation with what was surely the most comely lass on the entire planet. Let the ball drop - let me kiss her. Why won't the clock move? <br /> But Bill began to speak, and the double layer of fog in my 22 year old brain cleared and dissipated. Bill began by speaking of those things of 1984 worthy of celebration. But he went on to discuss George Orwell, prior grim visions of the future, and the need to celebrate those things that had not transpired. At the height of the Cold War, Bill was keenly attuned to what freedom, in all its forms, meant to the continued quality and vitality of life. Bill had a complete appreciation for all that which was good, and the gift to share that appreciation with us masses who were blind to the beauty and meaning of life's littlest, but most important, pleasures.<br /> I found myself an engaged listener. The impending kiss still loomed large, but was somehow upstaged. I could wait. Talk some more.<br /> Midnight arrived. The kiss came. It lingered. So sweet. But Bill's words lingered longer.<br /> How easily we lose sight of the bigger picture. How rare and refreshing to encounter one more engaged in the greater good than personal ego. May we all do half as well. Peace.<br /> <br />RobRob Heinemannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-40486069646486473932010-01-09T17:34:01.566-08:002010-01-09T17:34:01.566-08:00The first time I visited Alta and was lucky enough...The first time I visited Alta and was lucky enough to stay at the Lodge, Bill had an enormous St. Bernard named Schaefer (I'm guessing at the spelling). The dog liked to rest wall-to-wall in the hallway leading to the guest rooms. Bill commented, "If you can't step over Schaefer, you're in no shape to ski."<br /><br />I met him a few more times over the years, always regretting that I was unable to become an "Alta regular" and spend more time in his charismatic company. Reading the tributes above makes me smile and think, "What a guy!" <br /><br />Ninety-two years is a long life, and in Bill's case, it was a good one. For deaces, he loomed large in the small world of Alta and in the lives of all he touched. And he remained vibrant and engaged until the end. He could not have planned a better scenario.ClaireWalterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09795226291784652838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-43820471443554107062010-01-08T06:15:24.603-08:002010-01-08T06:15:24.603-08:00Bill, the man who changed so many and perserved so...Bill, the man who changed so many and perserved so much. He had the talent that so many desire and so few achieve. <br /><br />Working at the AL, he taught us the meaning of pride without arrogance and no where else but Alta could you work where it was better to be an "emp" than a guest. <br /><br />Thank you Bill for taking care of Alta, "a friend of Alta, is a friend of mine". While you have changed in dimension, your presence will always be felt, you are "The Spirit of Alta".Carol Hrobon Piovesannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-61607205657958079922010-01-06T17:31:52.239-08:002010-01-06T17:31:52.239-08:00As with the rest of these entries, I am sad to hea...As with the rest of these entries, I am sad to hear of Bill's passing. I also will miss him, although the last time I saw him was several years ago in Moab, his memory is always with me. <br /><br />My first job in Alta was on the Ski Patrol prior to joining the Alta lodge family. In those days we ate our evening meals at the lodge. I was young and full of spit and vinegar and slept many nights passed out in the bar. Bill never commented on these actions. It wasn't until I returned from the service and started working as a bar tender that I learned how gracious Bill was. He always treated me and everyone with respect, even though sometimes I felt I may have been a thorn in he and Franks side. He always gave me words of encouragement and believed in me. He gave me my first management position and trusted in my abilities. At that time I may not have shown my true gratitude, but he was the one who shaped my life through his wisdom . Thanks Bill. <br /><br />At this time my sympathies go out to Mimi, John, Bino, Toby and Cassie. <br /><br />David SmithDavid Smithhttp://bill-levitt.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-64688180275002705302010-01-06T07:00:29.204-08:002010-01-06T07:00:29.204-08:00Bill was a wonderful person. So many memories and ...Bill was a wonderful person. So many memories and recollected conversations over so many years, especially in the bar, will survive him. Lots of grace, gentle wisdom, and sly wit is what I recall most vividly. Condolences to Cassie and the rest of the Levittt and Alta Lodge clans. It's obvious from these comments how sorely he will be missed. Al KlingensteinAl Klingensteinhttp://www.filmcatcher.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-37406507564657483572010-01-06T02:15:33.163-08:002010-01-06T02:15:33.163-08:00I served Bill Levitt as his Town Manager from 1980...I served Bill Levitt as his Town Manager from 1980 through 1981. Bill touched my life and was my father figure at a time when I needed that attention the most. I credit the wisdom Bill shared with me as the source for success I have realized since I left Alta. Too bad I "totaled" Mimi's car on my way out, otherwise it would have been the perfect exit! Thanks for everything Bill, I love you. Dave Nicponskidavid nicponskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-78044740701327472412010-01-05T14:32:50.463-08:002010-01-05T14:32:50.463-08:00Comments can also be viewed and/or submitted on th...Comments can also be viewed and/or submitted on the Bill Levitt Memorial Blog at blog.altalodge.com/2009/12/peace-and-powder-snow-bill-levitt.htmlSam Dippohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04168034715778503188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-48932756537887422032010-01-05T11:53:52.196-08:002010-01-05T11:53:52.196-08:00When I got on the Wildcat lift with this old guy, ...When I got on the Wildcat lift with this old guy, I was just babbling in excitement. It was my third day at Alta and the first blue sky powder morning I'd ever experienced. I told him how I'd just scored a job at the Peruvian, how I really didn't know how to ski, but how stoked I was at how beautiful the place was and how it made me feel. At some point he laughed, slapped me on the knee and said, "we call days like this a bluebird, buddy. You're going to remember it for the rest of your life!" I found out much later that was the Mayor. And it seems he was right. My condolences to all.Brad Asmusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007514941409580861.post-49686696276607043702010-01-05T11:44:37.522-08:002010-01-05T11:44:37.522-08:00Bill married George and I on top of Albion Mountai...Bill married George and I on top of Albion Mountain. He created the beginning of our very happy life. Our loving memory of Bill will always be with us. <br />Our deepest sympathy is for Mimi in her sorrow.<br />George & GabriellaUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14000977006308626519noreply@blogger.com