Carl Levin

June 28th, 1934 - July 29th, 2021

Dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, friend, and lifelong public servant.

Biography


Statement from the Levin Family and the Levin Center at Wayne Law on July 29, 2021


With great sadness and heavy hearts, the Levin Family and Levin Center at Wayne Law announce the passing of Senator Carl Levin – a dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and life-long public servant.


Over six decades, Carl fought with compassion to extend and ensure the American promise to all. Nurtured and inspired throughout his early years growing up in a loving family in Detroit, he was drawn to the social issues of the times and sought ways to contribute to the betterment of his community. He had a penchant for seeing the world through the eyes of people who struggled against injustice and was called to hold our democratic institutions accountable to everyone – first as a student activist, then as a young defense attorney, Detroit City Council member, and U.S. Senator. Although he rose in office and seniority, he never lost his humility or his uniquely human touch. Nor was his integrity ever questioned – particularly among constituents and colleagues who might disagree with him on the issues.


Whether he was chairing a hearing on critical national security issues or working on behalf of his home state, he believed that collaboration and compromise served our common purpose better than partisanship and political brinkmanship. He was a clarion voice for a military strong enough to defend our nation and uphold American values. He was a tireless advocate for the positive role that government can play in the lives of the American people and a relentless watchdog ensuring that government programs meet their commitments. He stood up for American workers and families and against powerful institutions that put profit over people. In whatever he did, he defended the uniquely American proposition that all of us, no matter the color of our skin, how we worship, whom we love, the privilege of our parentage, or the size of our bank accounts, are created equal.


His legacy extends to every corner of Michigan, including the preservation of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Upper Peninsula’s mining and maritime history; cleaner Great Lakes and Michigan streams; a beautiful Detroit Riverwalk; and an American auto industry that is stronger for his tireless support.


For those who were lucky enough to be a part of his early work in Detroit, his decades in the Senate, and beyond, he was an inspirational leader and so much more. He will be remembered for his relentless intellect and work ethic, his humility, his humor, and his strength of character.


We are all devastated by his loss. But we are filled with gratitude for all of the support that Carl received throughout his extraordinary life and career, enabling him to touch so many people and accomplish so much good. We will treasure our memories of him as a loving family member, friend, colleague, and public servant.


There will be a private funeral. Information about a public memorial honoring Senator Levin will be forthcoming.


If you wish to send a tribute or well wishes to Senator Levin's family, please email [email protected]. You can also submit tributes and pictures to this memorial page. 

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Family

About

Name Carl Levin
Date of Birth June 28th, 1934
Date of Death July 29th, 2021
Home Town Detroit, MI, US 
Milestone

Milestones

1956 Swarthmore College, B.A. Political Sciences
1959 Harvard Law School, J.D.
1970 - 1977 Detroit City Council President, Detroit City Council
1979 - 2015 U.S. Senator
2015 - 2021 Founder and Chairman, Levin Center at Wayne Law

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Chris Kittides published a tribute .

I was privileged to have known Carl Levin since before his election to the Detroit City Council.A true and effective leader in Detroit and Washington the likes of which we may not see again!

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Barbara Bowen published a comment .

I have so much respect for Carl Levin, your loved one. I am grateful or his service during the Joint Inquiry after September 11th, and during his whole career. I grew up in Michigan, and his loss truly hit home.

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Nabil Sater published a tribute .

To the entire Levin family and friends, We share with your grief as we mourn the passing of Carl Levin. I, personally, have never met Carl. However, I was always a supporter and admirer. He has truly dedicated his life to the service of others. He always conducted himself in a very respectful manner, which earned him great respect from all his colleagues, as well as most politicians in DC, whether they were on his side or not.

Carl will be missed tremendously and his loss will affect all of us.

May he rest in eternal peace and may his memory be a blessing.

With deepest sympathy,

Nabil Sater
Bloomfield Hills

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Ceola Johnson published a tribute .

Dear Family Members,
My family and I send our condolences. We appreciate all that Senator Levin has done for Michigan throughout his tenure. Rest now Senator Levin, you will truly be missed.

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Dobroslav Paraga published a tribute .

May dear God receive Senator Carl Levin, a top intellectual and a great American who is also a staunch opponent of American interventionism in Iraq, a defender of democracy and freedom, an advocate of human rights for all Americans but also for all people of good will around the world.
Senator Levin gave support to ideas, people, and things even when it was against the current of the ruling establishment, when it was not opportune to put truth, justice, and honesty first.
He exposed massive financial fraud and tax evasion by powerful financial and IT corporations to the detriment of American citizens and the world, and as an advocate of peace in the world and in the United States, he opposed the arms race and the free sale of offensive weapons to American citizens.
Although the former socialist Yugoslavia was strongly maintained by the United States after the split of its leader Tito with Stalin in 1948 and was indefinitely extended, when in 1989 I broke through to Senator Levin with a message of oppressed and endangered people, political prisoners and many who lost their lives by the secret Yugoslav police, he interrogated me and after a few weeks asked if I was convinced that the US Senate with its resolution could help these people and resolve the situation in the former Yugoslavia.
After I answered in the affirmative, Senator Levin, along with his fellow Sen. Donald Riegle of Michigan and Senators Edward Kennedy, Alan Dixon, Paul Simon, Jesse Helms, and John Chafee, persuaded the entire U.S. Senate to unanimously accept Resolution No. 169 of Aug. 4. In 1989, demanding freedom of political association, the amnesty of 2,500 political prisoners in Yugoslavia and the investigation into the murder of Croatian dissident Ernest Brider and the termination of all criminal proceedings and trials against me.
To his esteemed family, wife Barbara and three daughters with families, Brother Sander, the U.S. Congress and the United States Government, I express my great gratitude for Senator Levin's legacy and my sincere condolences for the departure of this irreplaceable and true promoter of justice and goodness. there remains a great void but also the hope that dear God will reward him for all the good he has done to the many persecuted and nameless among whom my liquidated friend Ernest Brider and I are just two in a long line.
Dobroslav Paraga from Croatia

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N. Peter Antone published a tribute .

My first contact with Senator Levin was in the early 1980s, shortly after I fled my old country and immigrated to the United States. At that time a group of immigrants with similar backgrounds, including me, sent letters to several city, state, and federal officials seeking assistance on issues that were relevant to us. The only person who responded to these letters was Senator Carl Levin. Not only did Senator Levin write back, but he offered to meet with us personally. He spent an entire evening with us giving us much of his time and wisdom; we talked until well after midnight. I will never forget that. Our interaction is a testament to his humility, despite the fact that he was a brilliant and accomplished statesman. Everyone present realized that we were dealing with a champion of the little guy. It was a great honor that, since that night, he called me his friend. I later, after finishing law school, began practicing immigration law, and over the years I have been fortunate enough to have many other opportunities to witness Senator Levin going out of his way to personally assist individuals in desperate situations. I specifically recall a case involving a ninety plus-year-old woman who fled Iraq by walking across the border to a refugee camp in Turkey. Senator Levin heard her story and personally contacted the U.S. ambassador in Turkey over several days in order to ensure that her travel documents would be processed expeditiously. Thanks to him, she was soon able to travel to the United States where she had relatives to take care of her. This was just one example among many cases that I am aware of. Senator Levin’s thoughtfulness in matters large and small never ceased to impress me; I sometimes think back on his speeches years later and discover anew how wise his thoughts had been when the concerns he expressed have indeed materialized. Carl Levin was a hero bigger than life. His wisdom, example, and memories will live with us forever.

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Marcia Gardner published a tribute .

Dear Kate and family. I send my sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family. Marcia Gardner

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Richard Rogers published a tribute .

Aundrea and I send our thoughts and prayers to Levin family.

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Gloria J Hall published a tribute .

Senator Levin was great man. He didn't meet any strangers. I was proud to work on his Senate Page Board. He will be greatly missed

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Dorothy Nelson published a tribute .

My late husband, Dr. Michael Kleerekoper, and I were honored to have known Senator Levin and his amazing wife, Barbara. He was an exceptional public servant and loving family man. He will surely be missed by all of the lives that he touched.

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Roland Hwang published a tribute .

Senator Levin had the best attributes you can find among public servants, a deep understanding of the issues we face, an analytical approach to solving problems, integrity and wit. But just as important, when he founded the Levin Center he spent the time to stop and chat in the halls of the law school, crossing paths with students and faculty. I will remember his caring manner. He will be dearly missed.

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Frances Levin Koerner published a tribute .

Sending love and condolences to Barbara, Kate, Erika and Laura,
Carl's earthly life may have ended, but the gifts he left behind will live on in our hearts and our country for many years and generations. I will remember him as a loving cousin. You will remember him as a loving husband, brother, father, and uncle. The world will remember him for his special gift of being a true American. He will live long in all our hearts.

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Diane Hamilton published a comment .

Amen. A true American.

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Melody Chapin published a comment .

My deepest sympathy to the Levin family. I admired Senator Levin. He was a great man.

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Margit Jackson published a tribute .

Carl Levin was the most inspirational leader and example that I have ever met in my life. I will miss his insights and knowledge.

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Phyllis Swonk published a comment .

I am honored to have my first political participation in Michigan to be a fundraiser for Carl back when he was running for office in the late 60s early 70’s at my home in Livonia. My ex husband Jim Swonk and l I were so proud to support him. He has led an exemplary life and left a lasting legacy of what great people can accomplish in their zeal for truth and good.

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John E Jamian published a tribute .

As the former Executive Director of the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority and longtime friend of Carl, it seemed like this day would never come. Carl was such a robust man and public servant who always wanted to be involved with projects that could beautify the Detroit River waterfront. I was fortunate enough to be involved with him on many different projects around Detroit and saw first-hand how passionate he was about our city. I saw his family's great pride when we named the Port Authority building after him and erected a bust of him on the port waterfront. Another fitting tribute to both Carl and his wife Barbara was when the Secretary of the Navy came to our office to announce that their brand new Freedom-class littoral combat ship would be named the USS Detroit and Barbara would christen it. May Carl rest in peace and his spirit forever be with us in our community.

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Mort Crim published a tribute .

As a journalist, working in Detroit television, it was my privilege to cover Carl Levin from his first run for senate through 1998, at which time he was still serving in that capacity. I got to know both Carl and his brother, Sandy, in my capacity as a reporter, but on a more personal level at numerous gatherings--most notably Macinac Island. In my view, Carl Levin was one of the most principled men ever to serve the American people in public office. I had learned through a mutual friend in recent weeks of his declining health, so was not shocked by news of his passing, although deeply saddened by it. In the final months of his life, Carl was gracious enough to write a "glowing" endorsement for my memoir, and told me he was just finishing his own. I was about halfway through his book, The Heart of the Matter, when I learned of his death. It's a marvelous book and a lasting tribute to a wonderful man and leader. Michigan has produced many excellent leaders over the centuries, but none with more integrity, intelligence, and commitment to the people of our state than Carl Levin. While I lived through twenty of the years covered in his memoir, it has been fascinating--and enlightening--to trace those years of his public service up through 1978 when I arrived in Detroit and he first ran for the U.S. Senate. It is easy to see in those earlier years--especially during his time on Detroit City Council--his strong character and stubborn refusal to back down to those special interests that he believed were operating contrary to the interests of common, ordinary folks. How much we need men and women of his moral makeup in the halls of congress and throughout state governments these days. I only wish I had the opportunity to tell him how much his life and work has inspired me and what a treasure he has left to all of us with his memoir. Senator Carl Levin, may you rest in peace, knowing what a bright light you were in this sometimes very dark world. You not only kept the faith, you were brilliant at keeping it alive in others.

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Albert Dib published a comment .

The "Conscience of the Senate."
Requiescat in pace et in amore.

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Senator Kent Conrad published a tribute .

SEN. KENT CONRAD’S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SEN. CARL LEVIN, JULY 30, 2021


Sen. Carl Levin was what you would hope for in a US Senator. He was honest, highly ethical and extremely hard working. He always put the public interest before any special interest. He worked effectively with both sides of the aisle.

As Chairman of the powerful Armed Services Committee, he led our national defense strategy and worked closely with the Ranking Member Sen. John McCain, proving that people of good will could work together even when they sometimes disagreed.

Sen. Levin, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Investigations, uncovered massive tax cheating by some of the largest corporations in America. He had the courage to stand up to them to reveal what they were doing by using offshore tax havens to avoid what they legitimately owed in taxes.

Carl refused to accept speaking fees even when it was completely legal and allowed under US Senate rules because he did not believe it was right. The decision deprived him and his family of hundreds of thousand of dollars in income he could have received over the many years it was an accepted practice in the Congress of the United States.

Sen. Levin and his wife Barbara were neighbors of ours on Capitol Hill where they lived modestly. They became very good friends and we would host dinners together at our homes with authors who had written on subjects of interest to us.

The last dinner we hosted included Sen. John Glenn and his wife Annie. Sen. Glenn piloted his own plane from Ohio to attend the dinner with scientists from Princeton University who were experts in cosmology and the study of the Universe. The subjects included the theory of a multiverse and string theory and their implications for humankind. It was a remarkable evening and Carl delighted in asking probing questions of our guests.

Carl Levin had a twinkle in his eye, a wonderful sense of humor, a love of life and a true commitment to public service that endeared him to his colleagues. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Sen. Carl Levin, you made this a better place.

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Fran Greenup published a tribute .

Heartbreaking loss for his family & friends, the city of Detroit, the state of Michigan, & our country as a whole. What a remarkable individual & public servant!! With much gratitude & deepest sympathy~

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Lisa Shymko published a tribute .

As a Canadian, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Levin. He represented decency and civility at a time when these values are missing from the political discourse in America. My sincerest condolences to his family, loved ones and former colleagues. May his memory be a blessing. Lisa Shymko - Toronto, Canada

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Sybil Offen published a comment .

Carl was a true Mench. He and Barbara set an example that we all benefited from. May his memory be a blessing.

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Robert Robinson published a tribute .

I did my undergraduate internship with him. He was vary charismatic and made you feel important. May he rest in heaven.

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Sybil Offen published a comment .

Carl was a true Mench. He and Barbara set an example that we all benefited from. his memory be a blessing.

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John Howes published a tribute .

He was a very rare, perceptive and wise man. Also a great guy to hang out with. I admired him very much.

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Dennis Wend published a tribute .

Sen. Levin was my greatest mentor, friend and as he would say your No. 1 Boss. Although, I didn’t work directly for him, I ran his pride and joy, the US Army National Automotive Center.
His mantra was “you give our troops the best technology, leverage programs with the auto execs and bring down the cost of our weapon systems, while keeping and creating Great jobs in MI”.
Because of his work tens of thousands of people have high paying jobs here in MI. Countless lives were saved in the battle from technology put into the field from MPH developed at Focus Hope. Collision avoidance, anti-lock brakes developed and mandated for 18wheel tractors, GPS in our vehicles, virtual prototyping, fuel cell and hybrid electric vehicles and numerous other technologies in our life because of this Great Man!! God Bless and Thank You for everything.

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Ian Gary published a tribute .

I'm so saddened to hear this news. Senator Levin was an inspiration to so many of us working to hold powerful corporations to account and to fight corruption, both in the U.S. and around the world. Rest in justice, Senator.

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Derrick O. Lockhart published a tribute .

Chairman Levin was always raising the bar. I remember watching him making a sound, intelligent, and profound argument before the Senate Armed Services Committee. I was always proud to say, as a Marine, born and raised in Detroit. Senator Carl Levin was my Senator. A giant of a man. Rest well, Sir.

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Penny Marinos published a tribute .

What a nice man Carl Levin was. I live in Troy and I would see him here at many events, always chatting with people. I voted for him because he was "for the people". I offer my sincere sympathy to his family.

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Stephen Calkins published a tribute .

When I was the FTC General Counsel, commuting from Detroit, I happened to board the early Monday morning flight right behind Carl, whom I'd never met. We struck up a conversation and he asked if I'd like a ride to the FTC. He was picked up by his secretary -- obviously a good friend -- driving an old American-made station wagon, and then he regaled me with analysis of DC architecture and history. Such a humble, decent, wonderful human being. Everyone, regardless of politics, loved him.

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Erika Van Croft published a tribute .

I want to thank the family of Senator Carl Levin for sharing him with us. He was a dedicated public servant who made the world better. Rest In Peace. Erika L. Van Croft

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Jen Auchterlonie published a tribute .

I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Senator Levin. Although this is a sad time, I will always be in awe of all that he accomplished. What a life! What a great American. What a dedicated public servant. I am grateful beyond measure that I got to work for him briefly, when I was detailed to the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He worked tirelessly, sought just and practical solutions to the problems facing our country, and he had a special passion for closing tax loopholes that made me a particular fan. I’m thinking of all my PSI colleagues tonight, sending you all warm hugs, and keeping all of Senator Levin’s loved ones in my prayers. Godspeed, sir, and rest in peace.

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Reg Brown published a tribute .

Chairman Levin was an extraordinary leader and the greatest investigative lawyer to ever serve in the Senate. He was fearless, relentless and deeply principled. Those who worked with and for him and those who represented clients before him were all better for being in his orbit.

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M. Roy Wilson published a tribute .

The entire Wayne State community is saddened to hear the news of Senator Carl Levin’s passing. He was a tremendous friend of the university, and it’s gratifying to know that his name will live on in perpetuity at the Levin Center.

Senator Levin devoted his life to public service and was a staunch advocate of Michigan families, civil rights, protecting Michigan’s environment, Michigan’s men and women in the military, and many, many other issues rooted in justice and equality.

His was a life well-lived. We have been honored by Senator Levin’s association with Wayne State and are grateful for his deep commitment to Wayne Law and its students and faculty.

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Billie Sage published a comment .

I was 17 when I met Mr. Levin, on the Capitol building steps during a high school trip to Washington, D.C. He was an inspiration to us all. As I matured I had the most profound respect for him and all the good that he did for our state and country. Rest in peace. To his family, my deepest sympathies to you all.

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Shelly Giron published a tribute .

My heart goes out to the Levin family. I don’t know you, but I appreciate all that Carl has done.

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Jessica Catlin published a tribute .

I only worked for Carl for 6 months, but his example and “modeling the way” stays with me forever. A great statesman and patriot, the finest of public service. God speed, sir.

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Richard Bierschbach published a tribute .

Senator Carl Levin was the consummate statesman. He lived and breathed Detroit. First as City Council president, then as Michigan’s longest-serving U.S. senator, and after his retirement when he chose Wayne State University Law School - Detroit’s Law School - to be home to the center that would bear his name.

To everyone who knew him, Senator Levin will be remembered as one of the kindest, most humble, genuine and loyal individuals you would ever encounter. When he first came to Wayne Law, I’m told that he was very concerned about the size of his office. He felt it was simply too big and should really have gone to somebody else. That’s the kind of person Senator Levin was.

It would be wrong to say that today marks the end of an era. We have lost a giant, yes. But he taught and inspired Wayne Law students to not only do something, but to do the right thing no matter the cost. Because of his lessons, he leaves behind a lasting impact for generations to come. We are all better because of Carl Levin.

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