Bertram J. Levey's Obituary
Bertram J. Levey, businessman, photographer, inventor, and Covington, Louisiana, resident for over 55 years, died of natural causes on October 26, 2015, at the age of 90.
He is survived by his wife, Marian Crouch Levey and his daughter, Lynn.
Mr. Levey grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, where he began his working life by selling newspapers and getting the produce he farmed to market. But he was an exceptional student, and despite the challenges of the Great Depression, was able to realize a goal of furthering his education.
He was accepted to the University of Illinois, playing college football in an era that put him on the field with future Pro Football Hall of Famer, Otto Graham. After only three years of study, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. From there he completed a tour of duty in the United States Navy, then accepted a job in the Middle East, where he mapped the Persian Gulf for the onshore and offshore pipelines which supplied oil to super tanker terminals. In time his business and professional pursuits would allow him to travel the world.
In 1960, his work and expertise in the field of construction led to a job offer with Prestressed Concrete Company in Mandeville, Louisiana, where he played a role in obtaining the contract to build the second Causeway Bridge. As his career progressed, he was named President of Construction Materials, Inc., out of Baton Rouge, and in 1983, made his mark as inventor, earning a patent for development of an improved method of sealing concrete expansion joints. He retired as owner of the company in 1989.
Once retired from business, he never ceased his love of learning and creative expression, taking piano lessons, or college courses in Computer Science and the German language. Embracing a lifelong love of photography, he continued traveling worldwide, always with his wife, Marian, at his side. With his Hasselblad camera, he produced professional journalistic travelogues and fine art prints that captured the spirit of regional cultures and their people. These powerful human interest works became the subject of numerous newspaper articles, statewide showings of his multi-media productions and gallery exhibits of his photographs.
In his final years, he was content to enjoy life with the one he called his sweetheart, his most beloved wife and companion, Marian.
Bert Levey’s extraordinary life was marked by achievement, innovation and altruistic endeavors. He enriched the lives of many, and for this he will be lovingly remembered.
The memorial service for Mr. Levey were private.
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