Robert S. Leavitt, Businessman, Known For His Philanthropy Work

Robert S. Leavitt did not live to see the last of his creations, a waterfall and reflecting pond that will become the new entrance to the Kline Galland nursing home in Seward Park.

It would be a quiet place, Mr. Leavitt believed, where the young and old could sit and contemplate life.

Mr. Leavitt designed it, raised money to build it and now it will bear his name: the Leavitt Memorial Waterfall and Pond. It is to be a memorial to two of Mr. Leavitt's children who died young in life, said his son, Thomas Leavitt.

Mr. Leavitt, 80, a longtime Seattle businessman, died May 5 in Seattle of complications related to lymphoma.

He was known for his tireless work for Jewish organizations, such as the Kline Galland Home, and for his business acumen and dry wit.

Thomas Leavitt recalled that when he was young he would appear at his father's downtown clothing store at noon knowing he would be taken to lunch at the top of the Bon Marche or Frederick & Nelson.

The express elevator would be packed and, typical of elevator riders, no one would say a word. Then his father would turn to his son and say in a voice just loud enough for everyone to hear: "So, is this your first meal since you were released from reform school?"

Born in Chicago, Mr. Leavitt graduated from the University of Washington and earned a law degree from the University of Chicago. With few jobs during the Depression, Mr. Leavitt moved to Seattle to help his family. He opened a jewelry shop on the corner of First Avenue and Pike Street and eventually brought his three brothers into business as HL Roberts Co.

Initially, the four sold housewares door-to-door and around the state. In 1948, Leavitt Brothers Women's Apparel opened in downtown Seattle. It grew to five stores and became a fixture in the women's apparel trade for the next 30 years.

The brothers closed the shops in 1974 to concentrate on their other business, the Leavitt Brothers Land Development Co., which built subdivisions from King County to Idaho.

When the land-development company was sold to Equitable Savings and Loan Assoc. in 1978, Mr. Leavitt retired to concentrate on his charitable activities and his new interest as an oil painter.

It was his work with charities that his son called "awe-inspiring."

Mr. Leavitt's philanthropy work began in 1947 when he became one of the founders of the Children's Benevolent League, later known as the Association of Retarded Citizens.

A memorial service was held May 10 at Temple B'Nai Torah on Mercer Island. In addition to his son, Thomas, Mr. Leavitt is survived by his wife, Rhea, and daughters Robin Leavitt Home of Seattle and Margaret Leavitt Kite, of California; brothers Harvard, LeRoy and Donald, and five grandchildren.

The family asks that memorials be sent to the Leavitt Garden Fund, Caroline Kline Galland Home, 7500 Seward Park Ave. S., Seattle, 98118.