"We all get a box of rocks in life. How we balance them determines the shape and beauty of our love" Lou's box...was a masterpiece! I downloaded a recording of Lou on his memorial page from a few years back. listen when you get a chance. Send me photos of Lou you would like to post in .jpeg format and I will add to Photo page. Leave Lou and our AA/NA family a message below/above where it says: 56 Comments Thank you.
56 Comments
Mark Macias
1/13/2013 10:21:43 am
Dinner at Original Joes was one of the Highlights of my early years in sobriety. Thanks for your leadership. Some of us need to be shown how to be nice and you were a great teacher.
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Mike Kelly
1/13/2013 10:52:08 am
Lou and I were roommates in Good Sam back in 1993. I didn't know him but people kept coming in and out and then I heard someone say something about the book. Afterwards, I asked him if he was a Friend of Bill W's and then we got to know each other. Hell of a man.
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1/13/2013 11:13:18 am
Lou P was a fine man, mentor, and grand sponsor. Never have I witness a man hold humility in his composure walking around like a hug. He was his hug. His gift. His lesson, for all people, especially men, how to give as a man intimately and in love. What a humble presence. What a man. What a fine fine man! I love Lu P "sticky fingers" and am blessed to know him and been taught by his presence. I'll never forget one night at Blue Sky when Lou's forehead began to sweat, and Dave asked Lou if he ate a red pepper, and Lou just smiled real big like he does (all foxy like) and kind of chuckled.
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David G Searles
1/13/2013 11:50:42 am
I first met Lou when he came by George Thompsons house in the early 70's to pick us up in his babyblue Cadillac. He pushed a button in this fine machine and the trunk popped open. Wow that was high tech beyond anything I had ever seen. He took one look at me and said, " get in you're too sick to ride up in here with us ".
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Ernest Orta
1/13/2013 02:23:22 pm
Thank you Lou P. for blazing a wide trail that made it easy for others to follow and challenging to measure up to. Therein lie our destiny.
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Scott Smith
1/13/2013 11:12:53 pm
I remember when Lou and Pat showed up on the scene in San Jose. Lou brought meetings into Soledad in the 70's and I will never forget how he went out of his way to reach out to me the first Thanksgiving I was out to say "I love you, bro...thanks for being there for me."
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Lee Campbell
1/14/2013 12:15:03 am
I have enjoyed many adventures with Lou over the years. We went to sporting events, dinners, special events and a weekly meeting together for the past several years. He was a tremendous inspiration and always knew what time it was.
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Peter Tegan
1/14/2013 01:59:34 am
The man was a GIANT! He touched so many people. I once was dealing with a problem 18 year old. Lou asked if I had taken the 3rd and 11th steps, I said I had, he looked at me and said " it's time to practice them"! I will never forget him and all those who came before me.
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Sean Mulcaster
1/14/2013 03:00:40 am
What a fantastic human! I was able to know Lou through our regular sphere of meetings, but also on retreat in Asilomar. A group of us would have a meeting out at Pt. Lobos. It didn't matter if strangers wandered up to our special perch overlooking a truly glorious part of the world. Lou always had just the right touch when speaking all matters recovery. And more recently, I was able to see him at the Dog Park with that darling little pooch.
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Sean Mulcaster
1/14/2013 03:02:20 am
... I love that man and was grateful to know him.
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San Ramon Fred
1/14/2013 08:34:07 am
Lou was one if the few former walk the line guys along with Moe Mosley that I first met at the Thursday Gorilla in the early days in the late 80's. I'll always remember his everlasting hugs and legitimate caring in the standard "How you doin?" He will be missed.
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Todd Anderson
1/14/2013 11:45:50 pm
Lou has taught me how to live life. He did this by example and kind, loving Friendship. Our Friendship began many years ago when I asked him to be my Sponser when we met at Lou's for breakfast,with my head hung low and waiting for rejection he asked one question " are you willing to follow direction " and so it began..It has always amazed me the Love that Lou put forth into the world. I remember the first time he gave me a hug, I wanted to get away and he just kept telling me to relax, that it was OK and today I know what was happening. He was introducing me to a world that I didn't know existed.
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Kelly Nobriga
1/15/2013 10:40:19 am
I met Lou when I was a 9 yr old little girl...he would often tell me that he still remembers that scared little girl he met so many years ago, then he would get all choked up. Lou was the only father I really knew and I am honored that he got to be one of the main influences to help shape the woman I grew up to be...I'm pretty happy with the person I turned out to be...there will be a big void in my life, I love you Lou...
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John Regan
1/15/2013 11:58:38 am
Lou was my sponsor back in '86 when I had about a year. I remember calling him when they drained my checking account because of a judgement against me. I thought he would agree what rats they where to do that. Instead he had me drop to my knees and say the third step prayer with him. Then I thanked God I had a roof over my head because he told me to. I then understood what it took to stay sober. He carried the best mesage I have ever heard. He was a living brething miracle in my eyea. Lou you will always be loved and missed. The valley has lost a tremendous example.
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Tim Miller
1/15/2013 12:13:53 pm
Lou you are one of the few who i knew! was telling the truth and every time i was blessed to hear you speak ,you always(seemingly) spoke to me. and i have been blessed to watch you live as an excellent example of a grateful man. rest well and save me a seat!
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Patricia Haniger
1/15/2013 01:33:08 pm
Lou is a blessing in our lives.His BIG HUGS are in our hearts as is his advice to "always love".
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Al Bennett
1/15/2013 01:42:39 pm
What can you say about someone that played such a major part of your life? One of the things Lou stressed about the 3rd Step Prayer that has stuck with me for my brief time here. He always said the only thing he would change in the 3rd Step Prayer is he would add the word please… "Please, relieve me of the bondage of self." Thanks Lou and thank your Dan for this site.
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Bill Sinclair
1/15/2013 03:28:40 pm
I will never forget the last time he chaired the Gorilla Meeting. I talked with him at length before and after that meeting. He always made time for others. His presence and message will be missed. Our loss, Heavens gain.
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1/16/2013 01:21:09 am
I met Lou in 1974 when he sat on the board of directors of Dismas, the recovery house I was sent to. He took me under his wing, and taught me how to open my always folded arms. He often said to me, "One day it won't hurt to love." Lou - our precious gift from God, you are so loved and sorely missed. Be happy, my cherished friend. I know your light still shines enormously bright.
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Janell Q
1/16/2013 04:14:33 am
lunbeknowingst to Lou, he played a key role in me and vicente's hooking up. It was at the Santa rosa convention in 1980. Lou And Vicente were sharing a room but Lou was busy when it was time to sleep so I bought a room for me and v since I didn't want to spend the nite with the guy I came with who had promised "strictly platonic" but tried crap anyways. So on my dime, me and v got our own room and have been trudging the happy destiny road together for 32 years! Thank you Lou from Across the Slough...see you at the king's table.
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Jerry Gustafson
1/16/2013 04:39:42 am
I first met Lou at St. Mark's, a meeting in Santa Clara in the early 70's. I knew this was a man I would like to know. He was a very humble person and filled with gratitude. As the time passed by we had many discussions about the miracles of the program, he loved to sit on my back deck with my dogs on his lap and taught me about life. I am ever so grateful that I was fortunate enough to know him.
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Brian medrano
1/16/2013 04:57:12 am
If sammy could talk, he would want the world to know that he has lost his best friend ever. And sammy would say fist bump only for you Lou. We love and miss you Lou, Brian, Grandpa Joe, Christy, Tibby, and your best friend alway's, Sammy.
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1/16/2013 09:45:04 am
I can hardly believe my Pop is gone.He has always been there for me.He walked me down the aisle,taught me to drive in his 3-speed on the column plymouth(which i promptly made a secret set of keys to,so when the folks went to a meeting i could drive around.I eventually got caught and Lou was my defender"Oh Cindy wouldnt do that")He always loved with his whole heart,embraced his life each day(he was one of those happy in the morning guys)promptly forgave,always offered to help.He moved me out of my ex husband's in the middle of the night.It was a caper,Lou and 3 guys from my work with trucks moved me and Timmy to Mt View in 2 trips.We were looking over our shoulders the whole time.lou always helped me with my brother's various prison issues.His service in that area is remarkable and groundbreaking,really.With the passage of prop 37 my brother(18 years at San Quentin)is due for release but I had no release plan/halfway house for him.I called Pop,who promptly called a "friend"in the court system to find out how this works.What do I do with Larry now??Lou was my go to,my rock.I will miss his chuckle,his big hugs and kisses,his encouragement,his love.We became very close the last 8-10 years and our relationship has molded who I am today.We said everything there was to say to each other,I had the phone put to his ear befor he passed and I know he heard me"its OK to go Lou,well done my good and faithfull servant,I love you,its OK to go.I will miss him more then anyone in my life.Amazeing grace,TYJ for giving me Pop-always his daughter,Cindy
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Nancy Steele
1/18/2013 01:54:59 am
I will miss Lou at meetings and around town.He was a gentle friend and a man who touched countless lives.Thanks for this website where we can share our memories of a man whose goodness touched us and inspired us.He was the essence of our Program.
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Marilyn Johnson
1/18/2013 06:49:35 am
I have known Lou for about 27 years and have been secretely in love with him for 20 years. He was a marvel in recovery and I have had "The Secret" memorized for over 20 years and it has been with me in and out of my recovery. I will miss that man. I went and saw Pat two days after Lou passed and she isnt going to be here much longer. Those who came before us are such treasures, and their losses are so painful. The big 12 step meeting in the sky will hopefully still be going on when I get there. Love you Lou.
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Charles Gjers
1/18/2013 09:52:00 am
To my friend, cohort and sponsor of 35 years. I miss you so very much. Sadness fills every bit of my soul as I imagine the sound of your voice telling me to live every moment in all of its fullness. "Even this," you would say, "is all part of God's will." Through his grace we shared years of clean life and had the good fortune of saying, "I love you," to each other. Whenever I called, you would be there. You told me things I already knew, but hearing them from you, I realized that I didn't know them at all. I always felt special when we were together and loved it when you told others about me being the only detoxing addict that you ever took into your home. My prayer today is that I will somehow be able to give what you so freely gave to me, and in that, be useful to my fellow man. I trust that a day will come when we are once again together and able to share in the big meeting.
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Jim Crowley
1/19/2013 03:59:11 pm
One of the Giants... whose hand helped me up and whose shoulders I am standing on.
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Carl Hazen
1/21/2013 03:46:34 am
I met Lou 26 years ago when I first moved to the bay area. He told me, "the essence of AA is to get out of the way, so Carl, get out of the way". I never forgot that and shared it often.
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Mike Garl
1/21/2013 05:41:30 am
Lou was a gift from God to me. We met at my first AA meeting on a Sunday morning in the Red Cross Bldg. in LG. He stuck out his hand and gave me his phone number and some encouragement. I am so grateful to have Lou as my sponsor and friend for 25 years. His spirit will continue shine on me and his many, many friends. I just wish I had one more visit with him.......God had other plans for Lou, but we will meet again, along that happy road to destiny.
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Rich Maes
1/23/2013 01:34:33 am
Lou, I will look forward to seeing you in the great meeting,
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Steve Mattus (AKA The Bump!)
1/23/2013 10:45:02 pm
Lou my Grand Sponsor had a way of saying the simplest things just at the right time. On one occasion many years ago, coming back from a speaking engagement in Reno, while I was driving. Lou was in the passenger seat & Sponce in the back seat snoring, we were talking about how I was struggling with pin pointing and defining this GOD. He just said with his gentle smile, "He just IS or He's NOT, what do you think?" Thank you Lou!!!!!!
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Bill Fritz
1/24/2013 12:17:18 am
Thank you Lou for being my friend and allowing my to feel included in this fraternity. It was great working with you, Claude and Steve on Information Day! Always a kind word and a hug and I cherish my copy of In God's Care that you gave me years ago...........You are sorely missed my loyal friend.
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Jerry W...
1/24/2013 06:48:03 am
soar with the eagles Lou,soar with the eagles..
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Marty O.
1/24/2013 05:36:13 pm
I went to the Gorilla tonight. We won't see our GIANTS until we get to the Big Meeting, but their words and quality of sobriety are echoed every Thursday night. Lou impacted the lives of countless men and although no man can fill his shoes, I pray we continue the legend of his warmth, honesty, and sincerity, God Bless you Lou, you are missed.
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Jim Bagby
1/26/2013 10:54:34 pm
Lou my friend, Rest In Peace. Lou was one of the people that taught and showed me how to be a gentle man.
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Tony Ochinero
1/28/2013 01:42:24 am
I met Lou at Asilomar 29 years ago. We were introduced by Poz. Several years later, Lou became my sponsor. We spent many Asilomar's together. I never met a man like Lou. His wisdom and pragratism got me through many tight spots during the years. I thought Lou would live forever, but apparantly God had other plans. I understand that God promotes all earthly "C" tennis players to "A
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Bob Schneider
1/28/2013 02:39:51 pm
I always felt Lou was one of the most "religious" men I ever met, in or out of AA. I cherish the years spent with him at the Asilomar retreats. Lou always reminded me of the saying that went like this: "An iron fist in a velvet glove". I'm sure Lou will square everyone away at that big meeting in the sky. Rest is Peace, Lou.
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Dan Holden
2/1/2013 02:10:41 am
Lou was a gentle giant. Gentle in spirit and the way he treated others. Giant in his compassion and his ability to carry the message to so many. I always loved seeing Lou, he had a way of lighting up the room with a smile that was really just intended for you. He was always genuinely interested in what was going on with me, how I am applying the steps in my life. Rest in peace my good friend.
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2/5/2013 03:54:39 am
Lou P. touched the lives of so many of us traveling this path to better living. He knew how to fully live a sober life and served as a wonderful example for the rest of us. With his passing, the one thing we can all be sure of, he is showing those he's already met in Heaven how to better enjoy their time too. Even though I had only brief exchanges with Lou when I was in San Jose, I was touched to the core by him and extremely humbled by the knowledge that he purchased hundreds of copies of In God's Care to pass on to the newcomers. I really can't find words to express what discovering that meant to me then, and continues to mean to me now. I love you Lou. You will never be forgotten.
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2/5/2013 04:00:09 am
Karen sent this to me and asked me to add it to the comments honoring our friend Lou P. She and Lou spoke at our first Many Paths One Destination Event in 2009 at the same place that his memorial will be held. He was so surprised to meet Karen since he had been giving away her books for years! I'm glad I was able to be a part of that reunion..............
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Dave Cajigas
2/5/2013 06:56:48 am
Lou was a gentleman who spoke softly and carried a big message. I know he helped many men at the Thursday meeting through the years.
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Zack Rissman
2/5/2013 01:26:45 pm
I came into AA in '87. Being a Jewish Man there weren't alot of us in AA, and I used that to be "unique". When I had a year Lou & I went to coffee, during our talk he somehow gave me the ability to just be another sober member.
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Carl Hazen
2/10/2013 09:35:12 am
I met Lou 25 years ago. Would see him at meetings and we talked a bit. He told something back then that I never forgot and shared at meetings up in Grass Valley when I lived there. He said, "Carl, the essence of AA is about getting out of the way.............so get out of the way".
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Diane Karr
2/10/2013 10:37:26 pm
I loved Lou before I ever met him. He was a friend and sponsor to my first friend in NA. He mentioned him every time he shared at meetings. What I admired so much was the fact that Lou NEVER gave up on my friend, EVER! I always wanted someone like that in my corner and believe we all need just one person like that, someone who will never stop loving us, even when we make choices that hurt. I told Lou I loved him when I met him, he grinned with that sparkle in his eye and said "I love you too sweetheart" I had the privilege of helping Lou for a few months after his last surgery. I would listen to his stories and feel the spectrum of my emotions, usually ending in tears...mostly of gratitude.When they were tears of sadness the beautiful man would sing Zip A Dee Do Dah until I smiled. Thank you Lou for loving so many, for giving of yourself and for teaching me about the bondage of self.
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Steve Maggetti
2/13/2013 12:52:53 am
Many rides to San Quentin over the years afforded me the opportunity to gain valuable life experience. A friend and mentor whoose wisdom was freely shared with all of us. Rest in Peace my Friend. SM
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Chad McKnight
2/16/2013 08:39:15 am
"I am not connected to anyone in California. So when Lou didn't return my calls and then a few days later when I called again and his phone was cut off I knew something was wrong. I don't have any connections in California so I called my friend Jeff. He goes to a lot of conventions and knows a lot of people. Well Jeff called Gary V in Enid, OK (where I got clean 7/14/79) and Gary said call Bill F he may know. So using the internet I found a Bill F in CA and called him out of the blue. He was kind and didn't think I was crazy. He was open and said "you want my father, he's in the NA program" and here's his number. Having lost a daughter to this disease I felt that was so cool because he sounded proud of his father. It is a pretty close fellowship.
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Suzanne Galanda
2/25/2013 03:24:10 am
Met Lou in the 80's. Great man. He never gave up on Steve G. Now they are together again. Blessings
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7/11/2013 08:42:13 am
Wow I take it that Lou's Higher Power wanted some one to play tennis with so Lou was was picked.I heard one of his Chairs and I knew I wanted what He had. A very gentls , calm ,caring ,loving man.From where he came from that was a big hill to climb,but he did it and he brought others along. I still carry on me what Lou gave me " The Secret "Thank you so much Lou for being you and for helping me along the way. I love you and for me to tell another guy that's a big step. I'll see you later
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2/8/2014 12:40:22 am
"God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
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Cadillac Dan
6/28/2015 08:11:46 am
Were back at Blue Sky on Thursday nights...Thanks for keeping the table reserved for us. Reading page 62 for 62 days...
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Cadillac Dan
2/1/2016 02:20:24 pm
Lou, we are well into 2016! I was thinking of you today and all the people you touched. Thank you for being a man...even when it would have been easier to be less than. I found a meeting on Sundays I like, however its not the same as meeting with you in Los Gatos. Things change...Acceptance is the key.
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Men of 400 W. Campbell
5/26/2016 11:38:31 pm
Lou,
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Bill Fritz
7/16/2016 06:25:34 pm
Just thought I would remind everyone that Lou P would have celebrated 46 years of recovery on Thursday, July 7th. God Bless you Lou.
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Cadillac Dan
12/11/2016 11:38:43 pm
Lou,
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Cadillac Dan
1/7/2018 04:38:39 pm
Lou - Happy New Year! Willie said he was thinking of you at the Thursday night meeting. It made me smile as the memory and thoughts are why you never left us. LIVE IN THE NOW!...lol. It came up a few times over the holidays and you reminded me of all we have is..right here...right NOW! Talk to you soon...
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"Cadillac" Dan
Lou was my sponsor for last 20 years or so. I met him back in the 80's when he dreamed of being a tennis pro. He challenged me to a game and didn't talk to me for years after I beat him in a singles match... Archives
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