LIND

LOUIS JOHN

A creative visionary with a jovial, welcoming personality, Louis Lind was a man full of life-a life lived far longer than he ever thought possible.

Lou spent his childhood in Pittsburgh's Morningside neighborhood with his brother Walter and sister Jane (Souser). That neighborhood provided the backdrop for countless stories throughout his life, as well as the opportunity to make many friends, including Harvey Nathanson, his beloved life-long best friend.

He graduated with a degree in business from Duquesne University, where he met his wife, Veronica (Ronnie). His first job was with the grocery company A&P, where he was on the development team using the UNIVAC, the first commercial computer. He was a senior executive with Potter-McCune Co., the second largest wholesale grocer in the world. He was also a senior executive with Williams and Co., where he developed the first corporate information center in the world. At his company Mode Communications, Inc., he developed the first online pension and welfare system, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He was the founder/CEO/President of four companies, including PC Solutions (now SynergIT). In the early 1980s, when most people saw computers as toys, Lou understood the power they could provide businesses. It became the largest independent systems integrator in the Mid-Atlantic. In 1989, Lou was nominated Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. magazine and Arthur Young (now Ernst & Young).

After his retirement, Lou's entrepreneurship persevered, as he continually thought of new business ideas. He formed Julie Lind Photography with his daughter, providing the opportunity for her photographs to reach much of the US and beyond.

Despite his many business successes, Lou didn't devote all of his time to work. He was an avid reader of newspapers and magazines, always keeping up on current events, especially politics. He liked talking about a vast array of topics, from galaxies in space to sports to dumb song lyrics. After several health scares, he became interested in nutrition and taught himself how to cook. His specialties were linguini with clam sauce and amazing hoagies that couldn't be matched at any deli. He also enjoyed walking in Squirrel Hill and at the Highland Park reservoir, playing tennis, swimming, and gardening. His yard was always full of flowers in summertime.

His inquisitive, creative mind led him to learn about rain gardens and oversee the design and construction of one of the first residential rain gardens in Pittsburgh, in his back yard.

He loved the outdoors, and had many happy experiences camping with friends at Sandy Creek in Venango County. The beach was also one of his favorite places. He loved riding bikes on the boardwalk and body surfing in Ocean City, NJ, and walking the shoreline in Clearwater Beach, FL.

Lou's love of music touched every era of his life. In his childhood, he was a choirboy. As a young adult, he was in a singing group called The Ravens that performed at local dances. He particularly loved jazz, popular music (especially from the 1930s and 1960s), rock, and Broadway, and had a song ready to belt out for every occasion. He often adapted the words of popular songs to fit the situation.

A natural storyteller, Lou often told tales of his childhood and his experiences with his group of friends in the Oakland Philosophical Society. His exaggeration for comedic effect, while often over-the-top, made for entertaining stories.

Lou had a love of life that was evident in his curiosity, intelligence, and creativity. But one of the most valuable things Lou did was to share this with others, always warmly welcoming friends to his home, hosting parties, and organizing get-togethers. He shared his enthusiasm with everyone he met, but especially with Ronnie and his daughters, Julie and Laura, for whom he constantly showed his love and pride.

Lou never expected to live 90 years. He escaped death several times. With his many extra years, he shared his talents, his humor, and his kindness with everyone lucky enough to cross his path. He welcomed them all as friends.

The burial was private. A celebration of Lou's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Jubilee Kitchen or Bethlehem Haven. Arrangements by JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC.

(freyvogelfuneralhome.com)