Commonwealth Founder Levenson Dies

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/15/2007 12:00:00 AM

Montreal —

Saul Levenson, the founder of Commonwealth Home Fashions, has died peacefully, in his 86th year, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Levenson had served in the Commonwealth Squadron of the Royal Air Force, and honored his colleagues by naming his business Commonwealth Curtain Co. upon its founding in 1946. The company thrives today, supplying North American retailers with window treatments and bed coverings.

"He will be sadly missed," said Barry Goodman, vp national accounts of Commonwealth. "He was well known, a great philanthropist who did a lot for the community — an icon here in the city."

One of the lighter points of Levenson's legacy, Goodman said, is Montreal's Herring and Schnapps Golf Tournament, a successful fundraiser for decades, which supports the Miriam Home Foundation.

The funeral service was held on Jan. 9, and burial was at the Bassarabier Hebrew Cemetery, de la Savane.

Levenson's family has asked that donations in his memory be made to Miriam Home Foundation, 8160 Royden Road, Town of Mount Royal, QC / H4P 2T2; (514) 345-1300.