Denny LeVett

January 15, 1938 – October 6, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Denny LeVett on October 6, 2025 at the age of 87. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and iconic figure in the hearts and minds of all who knew him, it is a daunting task to capture in mere words the full life of Denny LeVett. As at home in the plains of Iowa, as in the fairytale cottages of the idyllic Carmel-by-the-Sea, Denny LeVett was a true Renaissance man in every sense of the word. A groundbreaking real estate maven, comedian, pilot, author, antiquarian, philanthropist, trusted political advisor, and so much more, Denny LeVett was a man who spent a lifetime following his passions.

Born Dennis Albert LeVett to Frank K. LeVett and Eloise Mayburn LeVett of Iowa Falls, Iowa, early signs of the burgeoning businessman first surfaced as a youth when he earned his own money mowing lawns, washing cars, and buying and selling his collection of guns. His grandfather, A.J., was a major influence on the course of his life. "My grandfather taught me never to act like I had more than $25 in my pocket," said Denny. The nine-year old boy with a passion for collecting guns went on to accumulate the largest collection of Colt Paterson revolvers in the world, now featured in major museums across the country; including the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles; and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, in Cody, Wyoming. Denny’s collection includes a rare Colt Army 45 from Custer’s Last Stand, dated 1873. “The Paterson Colt Book: Featuring the Dennis A. LeVett Collection,” by R.L. Wilson and Dennis A. LeVett was published in 2001.

A lifelong love of history prompted a lifelong collection of antiques, ranging from vintage comic books such as the Big Little Book series, Dick Tracy, and tales of the Old West; to the highly prized ‘Britains’ toy soldiers that he purchased for only five cents apiece at the local Woolworth’s store. Known by all for his love of the color red, Denny was also very proud of his red Ferrari collection, including his cherished Ferrari Dino 246 GT (amongst the first eighteen ever made); and of the diverse assemblage of vintage cars that he showcased each year during Car Week in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where he was both presenter and namesake of the Dennis A. LeVett ‘Best of Show’ Award for the annual Concours on the Avenue competition. You could also say that Denny was a collector of jokes. If he heard a funny one, he’d write it down. “Tell us a joke, Denny,” and he would whip out his list. Often called upon as a master of ceremonies for public events, he’d act out those jokes in his big booming announcer voice and hold the room spellbound.

A trip to Europe as a college student awakened him to the rich architectural beauty of the centuries old buildings. One might say that the seeds had been planted when at 21 years of age, he began purchasing properties of old-world charm in the up-and-coming Palo Alto, California, the birthplace of Silicon Valley. "Being in an area like this, when it was first taking off, was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me," says Denny. His real estate holdings would soon expand to residential units and boutique inns in the storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea; and to a partnership with the legendary actress, Doris Day, in the elegant and dog-friendly Cypress Inn. “I grew up in Iowa as a farm boy,” said Denny, “and my dream was to someday find a girl just like Doris Day. I’d never have guessed that one day I’d be in business with her.” Of their 32-year partnership, Doris Day has called it “the longest relationship I have had with any man!” Indeed, when Denny, as sole owner of Carmel’s Cypress Inn agreed to partner with Doris in 1987, it helped put it on the map. The Mediterranean inspired hotel, designated a historic landmark in 2003, is a mainstay for both tourists and locals alike, beloved for the timeless elegance of its architecture, its cozy living room featuring live music, and its dog-friendly approach; complete with Yappy Hour and Doggie Bar.

Blessed with unmatched entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity, Denny went on to amass a real estate empire that stretched from Iowa to California to Lake Maggiore, Italy; including apartment buildings, commercial structures, boutique hotels and inns such as the Cypress Inn, Vagabond Inn, Lamplighter Inn, Monte Verde Inn, and Casa de Carmel Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea; the Benbow Inn in Garberville; the Laning Chateau in Palo Alto; and homes he designed and built from the ground up that remain a testament to his vision.

In 2016, the Dennis A. LeVett Cardiovascular Care Center was unveiled as a result of Denny’s generous donation to the Palo Alto Medical Center. A philanthropist to the core, Denny’s charitable contributions to museums, civic causes, and most especially, animal welfare, are renowned in his community, for although a collector of guns, Denny’s big heart made it difficult for him to hunt game for food or sport. Over his lifetime, Denny has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, too countless to remunerate. He has also served as President of the Lincoln Club of Northern California, and as Chairman, Trustee, and member of many distinguished advisory boards and councils.

And let’s not forget Denny “the pilot” – whose ardent passion for aviation has afforded him more flying adventures in his plucky Skymaster, Cessna 182, and favorite Cessna 414 Chancellor than the Wright Brothers!

If you are lucky enough to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea, then you may have been lucky enough to see Denny LeVett walking down the street, always dressed meticulously, maybe in the pink suit he chose that day with a yellow tie and matching satin handkerchief, placed carefully in his chest pocket.

Denny is pre-deceased by his younger brother Bill; his parents Frank and Eloise; and his Grandparents Albert J. and Marie Strutz. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Cox LeVett; his daughters, Amanda LeVett and Kate LeVett Crayne; his son-in-law, Casey Crayne; grandchildren, Liam, Henry, and Camille; and the children of his late wife Karen, Barbara Rowe and Aime Carroll. He is also survived by his four poodles, Hyden, Strutz, Bear and Cotton, whom he loved like family.

A Celebration of the Legacy of Denny LeVett will be held on Sunday, November 9, from 2:00-4:00 PM, at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, Pebble Beach, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice, or the Doris Day Animal Foundation or the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.