Honoring the Life and Legacy of Denny Levett

The team at the Cypress Inn and LeVett Properties is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved founder, Denny LeVett, on October 6, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born Dennis Albert LeVett to Frank K. LeVett and Eloise Mayburn LeVett of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Denny discovered what was to become a lifelong passion for collecting guns when he was just nine years old, going on to accumulate the largest collection of Colt Patersons 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.

A groundbreaking real estate maven, pilot, author, antiquarian, philanthropist, comedian, trusted political adviser, and so much more, Denny’s keen insight led him to early investments in Palo Alto, California, the birthplace of Silicon Valley; and to an elite roster of boutique inns and residential properties in the storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, including a partnership with legendary actress Doris Day in the elegant and dog-friendly Cypress Inn.

His generous donations to museums, charities, civic causes, and most especially, animal welfare, are renowned in his community. The Dennis A. LeVett Cardiovascular Care Center was unveiled in 2016, as a result of his generous donation to the Palo Alto Medical Center.

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.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Doris Day Animal Foundation or the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.