Marc Levison
Marc Levison reminded people of what matters, of love and passion and the joy of contributing something that might shape a better world.
He showed them what strength is, and illustrated the power of commitment.
The man who wheeled his way around the streets and shops of Bexley long after his body refused to keep up with his mind died early this morning.
"I just pray that right now he is at peace and is running and jumping for joy. He was a soldier," said his Euclaire Avenue neighbor and friend, Tammy Carraher.
"We will miss him dearly. Whenever you saw him, no matter what the circumstances were, he put it into perspective with his positive attitude."
Levison survived 20 years with Lou Gehrig's disease, defying expectations. His friends and family gathered this afternoon for a graveside funeral at New Beth Jacob Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Levison, who sometimes sent e-mails called "Marc's Thoughts for Today," had a favorite saying: "If I were going to give people one clue as to how to achieve true happiness, it would be this: Find something you would die for, and live for that."
People who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, typically live three to five years.
Levison, father of two adult sons, Brent and Kevin, and husband to Eileen, turned 63 on Tuesday.
He had also recently developed cancer, friends said.
The former electrician became a crusader and fundraiser for ALS research. The seventh 5K race in his honor was held in September.
"Marc's positive attitude was such an inspiration to me he had such a zest for life," said Jenna Mastracci, who lives in Canal Winchester and met Levison when she was a child.
Levison was touched by everyone who ran and walked in the 5K each year and kept in contact with hundreds of friends, sending e-mails that took him hours to write because of deteriorated muscles in his arms and hands.
mcrane@dispatch.com
~Best viewed with a positive attitude~