It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gerald Levin, beloved husband of Carol, on November 4, 2024. Gerald was a cherished and devoted partner, and his absence will leave a profound void in the hearts of his wife Carol, his mother Monica, his brothers Martin (Sarena), Roy (Rachel), and Jeff (Tobi), Carol’s family, and his many adoring nieces and nephews, who were always close to his heart. He was predeceased by his father Lou, whose memory he carried with him throughout his life.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Gerald grew up in a busy household with three brothers, and he was a lifelong and proud Winnipegger. The Levins were a tightknit family, and summers at their cottage at Winnipeg Beach created many lasting and cherished memories.
Gerald graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce with honours from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Commerce in 1980. In 1985 he achieved his Chartered Accountant designation and was admitted into the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba. Gerald’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found his own company, FPS Consultants, where he proudly dedicated his time and expertise to his numerous clients in Winnipeg as well as rural communities throughout Manitoba. Gerald’s warmth, generosity, and unshakable commitment to his clients made him a beloved figure, known for both his professional acumen and his personal kindness.
Gerald was an avid and skilled horseback rider from an early age. His love of horses would prove serendipitous in him meeting his future wife Carol, another accomplished and enthusiastic equestrian. The two forged an inseparable and loving bond through years of frequent stable visits and trail rides through the Assiniboine Forest and Birds Hill Park. Their mutual adoration for horses was surpassed only by their love for each other, and in 1995 they married. When Carol and Gerald were able to spare time away from their horses, they enjoyed trips to New York and winter get aways to Palm Springs and Florida.
Gerald introduced Carol to the sport of polo, and both became skilled players. Their shared enjoyment and dedication to the game took them to cities across Canada and the United States, and they made many lifelong friends along the way. Gerald’s involvement and support for the game extended off the polo pitch as well, as he served as the Treasurer for the Canadian Polo Association for years. His polo career spanned decades with numerous accomplishments and accolades. He was an internationally ranked player by the United States Polo Association, and he regularly played in international tournaments at both the amateur and professional levels. He was a founding member of the Royal Winnipeg Polo Club, and he helped organize and played in tournaments supporting many charitable causes.
Two highlights of Gerald’s polo career were his recognition by Sports Manitoba as a top amateur athlete from 2005 to 2009, as well as being a finalist in the Canadian Jewish Amateur Athlete of the Year Awards in 2009. Gerald’s passion for the game was unmatched, and he was always keen to share his polo knowledge, experience, and wisdom as a mentor to the younger polo players he met along the way.
Gerald’s athleticism also extended to hockey. Every season he was a regular participant in a league where he always enjoyed going to the rink and playing a game of ‘old time hockey’ alongside his competitive but also fun-loving teammates. When he had time, he loved just skating with stick and puck, at a local outdoor hockey rink with friends, and he derived hours of pleasure from this classic Winnipeg winter pastime. Gerald was not just an avid participant in sports, he was also a lifelong sports fan, and he was a regular attendee at Blue Bomber and Jets games.
Gerald’s Jewish faith was especially important to him, and he was an active member in his congregation at Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue. He observed all Jewish holidays and Carol and Gerald often hosted celebratory get-togethers at their home. Passover and Rosh Hashanah dinners were always memorable, and invitations to celebrate these holidays were especially coveted, as all family and friends were made to feel welcome and entertained at the Levin table. Gerald loved sharing his knowledge of all the traditional rituals and customs with his guests.
Gerald’s love for life, his infectious joy and humour, and his unwavering support and love for his family and friends will never be forgotten.
Funeral services have taken place, and a private unveiling of a headstone dedicated to his loving memory was held in the summer.
Donations in Gerald’s honour and memory may be made to a charity of your choice.