"The essence of Judaism is for each to make our world a better place and our job is to leave this life with a good name," Rabbi Dana Magat said at Levy's service. "One is eternal through their memory and good works, and I have no doubt Gordon is eternal through his good name."

Levy died on Sept. 5 at age 78. He was a long-time fixture in San Jose. Born in Fresno in 1927, he lived there until graduating from high school in 1944. He attended Stanford University for one year before entering the Army Air Corps. He became a war correspondent and attended the Nuremberg Trials in Germany. He returned to Stanford after serving in the army for two years, and graduated with a master's degree in business administration in 1951.

Fresh out of college Levy joined Dean Witter as a securities broker and served as partner and branch manager of the San Jose office for 11 years before leaving the finance industry to join the San Jose Chamber of Commerce as general manager of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Levy moved to Willow Glen because he believed in the valley's future. He predicted its transition from a farming community to a world leader in technology.

Odette Morrow met Levy in 1980 when she was working at the Holiday Inn Park Center Plaza in downtown San Jose.

"He was president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and we worked together on many out of town trade shows," Morrow said. "He always traveled to the trade shows taking his wife, Gerry, with him. He was a great man; humble and very sweet with a calm, reassuring manner."

Ron James, former mayor of San Jose and general manager of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, met Levy in 1950.

"We were neighbors in Willow Glen and both involved with the YMCA," James said. "We worked together on the 1950 membership campaign. In fact, Gordon worked on every membership campaign since 1950, including 2005. When Gordon made a commitment to help an organization, he believed it was a long-term commitment."

He was recently recognized for 51 years of perfect attendance at Rotary Club of San Jose where he served as the organization's president from 1966 through1967. And he was passionately involved in the organization's "Gift of Life" program that helps cover the cost of heart surgeries for children from all over the world with life-threatening heart conditions.

Levy's motto in life was always to live with honesty and loyalty to family, friends, clients and his employer, son Doug Levy said.

"He was like no one any of us have ever known," Magat said. "He had playfulness, a great sense of humor, quick wit, was a classic extrovert, sensitive, with tremendous integrity. He made people feel empowered and good."

Former employee John Elliot agrees.

"In 1962 he hired me at Dean Witter and he didn't just give me a job, he gave me a career. He was my mentor for 43 years," Elliot said. "Gordy was one of those rare individuals who was loved by everyone who met him and passionate about all he did. He made a significant, positive impact on those who knew him."

Bob Lieve, president of Empire Broadcasting, was also affected by Levy's death,

"Few can match the essential warmth of Gordon Levy," Kieve said, at the memorial service. "He had an interest in his fellow human beings and was always concerned about the feelings of others."

Levy left the Convention and Visitors Bureau and returned to Dean Witter Reynolds/Morgan Stanley in 1985 as vice president, where he worked until the day he died.

"After surgeries and illnesses, Dad always strove to get back to work as soon as possible," his son said. "He used to say 'I am an ironman.' "

The younger Levy said his father was easy and "always willing" to talk .

"He'd give suggestions and opinions but always led me down the path to make my own decisions," his son said. "Even if he disagreed with my decision, he supported it. If it didn't work out he would say. 'No matter, it was a learning experience.' "

Doug Levy describes his father as an eternal optimist, who saw the glass as half full. No matter what happened, his father believed things could have been worse. He also credits his father with his sense of commitment and strong relationship with his own wife.

"My dad treated my mom like a queen. He was always thinking of her. Everything he did, he did to make her life better," he said. "He showed me what it meant to be a good husband."

Levy's granddaughter Erinn Cassidy eloquently described the effect her grandfather would have on the future.

"Like a stone thrown in a lake, there is the initial splash, but the true test of someone's life is the ripples extending out to distant shores long after they are gone."

Gordon is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gerry; three children, Cary Wagner of Mission Viejo, Deborah Austen of Kent, Wash., and Doug Levy of Yuba City; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, one born shortly after Levy's death.

Donations may be made in Levy's name to the Rotary Club of San Jose Endowment, 1690 Senter Road, San Jose, 95112 or to a charity of the donor's choice.