Carmel Levinrad’s passing a sad loss

Former FTW sales manager and freight division head Carmel Levinrad passed away in Johannesburg on January 6 after a courageous battle with cancer. A vibrant, larger-than-life personality, she embraced her work as she embraced life – with gusto, enthusiasm and passion. She loved people, she loved partying and she loved life. Carmel joined FTW 21 years ago and under her watch advertising sales soared. She set herself lofty targets and was uncompromising in achieving them. Her warmth, her wicked sense of humour and her zest for life endeared her to colleagues and clients, many of whom became her friends. She also successfully mentored many of Now Media’s current top sales people. It was one of her many strengths and was a role she relished. Born and schooled in Port Elizabeth, a city for which she always held a great affection, she lived in Israel for a few years, but spent most of her life in Johannesburg. Carmel joined FTW in 1993, bringing to the position a sound knowledge of the freight industry. She had previously held the post of senior marketing executive at Polaris Ship’s Agency – and this included a stint representing Gold Star Line in Hong Kong. Family was everything to her and it was her daughter Samantha and the rest of her close family – along with her large circle of friends – who held her hand through her long and difficult journey. Carmel was a full-time staff member until ill health forced her to retire at the end of last year. The many tributes that have poured in following her untimely death are evidence of the many lives she touched – and echo my sentiments after 22 years as colleagues and friends. “Carmel was a really special Now Median. Such a personality. So loyal – what a loss!” Dave Marsh. “She was an extraordinary person and wonderful friend and mentor to many.” – Anton Marsh. “Like many people I was touched by her and her largerthan- life personality.” Liesl Venter. “Carmel has always been such a vital person, and a true master in her role at FTW. She and I have also shared some unforgettable times together and I’m dismayed to have to say goodbye to her in all but memories.” Alan Peat. “Carmel was a very professional, dedicated business associate of high integrity and business ethics." Lia Lopes, Röhlig-Grindrod . “I am devastated at the news of Carmel’s passing away. Carmel and I started our respective careers almost simultaneously and from the very beginning we formed a close bond which never changed over all those years." Katja Glöditzsch, KLD Ships’ Agency, Namibia. “I can imagine the sadness and devastation at Now Media because you are not just a group of people working, but you are indeed a very closely knit family and such devotion to one another." Arnold Garber, Compu-Clearing. CAPTION Carmel Levinrad