On August 4, 2026, Jeffrey Bruce Leavitt, Jeff as he was known to family and friends, passed peacefully. Born on June 7, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jeff’s journey began in a spirit of curiosity that would shape his entire life.

Throughout his life, Jeff enjoyed many hobbies, including cooking, writing, and watching movies, and he was an avid reader. Jeff was passionate about politics, history, and music and enjoyed learning just for the sake of learning. As a young man, Jeff played piano and organ and sang in the high school choir and college glee club, including an appearance at Carnegie Hall.

After graduating high school in 1961, Jeff studied briefly at the United States Naval Academy and then transitioned into being a military reservist until being honorably discharged in July 1967. During this time, he enrolled at Columbia University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in government and economics in 1966. His spirit of service was a reflection of his character, one that valued knowledge and experiences above all. Jeff worked for United Airlines for over two decades, thriving in various management roles, which allowed him to travel extensively, from the vibrant streets of Europe to the breathtaking vistas of South America and Australia. Over the course of his career, Jeff called many places home, including New York, Oregon, Hawaii, Washington, California, and Maryland.

After his career at United, Jeff continued working in the hospitality industry, where he took pride in a job well done. Through his hard work and reliability, he earned the respect of those around him and was known for the warmth and positive spirit he brought to his work. In 1998, Jeff and his late wife Kim relocated from Baltimore to the San Luis Valley, where they spent 28 fulfilling years in Fort Garland, embracing the beauty of their new home. Jeff faced challenges head-on, surviving battles with two different types of cancer, and yet he found strength in remission to continue exploring the world around him. He leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of resilience, optimism, and love. He is survived by his two daughters, Deanna Leavitt Pagliughi of Pennsylvania and Suzanne Leavitt Bellavista (Jonathan) of Massachusetts; two nieces, Kari Baumann (Carl) of Maine and Pauline Douglas of Virginia; three nephews, David Henzi (Shaina) of Texas, and Natrebo and Asolye Douglas of Virginia; and his significant other, Florence Elliott-Howard, who shared the last couple of years of Jeff’s life with him and remained an important presence even after health concerns led her to move to Santa Fe to be closer to family.

Jeff is preceded in death by his late wife, Kim Humphreys Leavitt, and his parents, Winston Churchill Leavitt and Margaret Lee. Jeff’s zest for life, his contributions to his family and community, and his unyielding pursuit of knowledge will resonate through all who knew him. He will be remembered for his intellect, wit, and warm smile. Jeff’s journey may have concluded, but his spirit will continue to travel alongside those who hold him in their hearts.