April 2, 2016: In memory of Louis Schuster

Louis John Schuster III

February 1, 1937 – March 12, 2016

Keizer – Louis John Schuster III passed into the universe on March 13, 2016 while in Ghana doing what he loved, helping those less fortunate. He was born on February 1, 1937 to Louis John Schuster Jr. and Mary Vivien Parry in Waterbury, CT and is survived by his wife Marilyn, his son Louis IV, his daughter Megan, her husband Gunaji along with his brother Phil Schuster. Lou graduated from the Cheshire Academy in Cheshire Connecticut and later from Southern Connecticut University after serving in the Army during the Korean War. After graduation he moved to Oregon and worked as a case worker for Adult and Family Services, where he met his wife Marilyn.

Lou lived his life out loud. From his tattoos, his love of traveling and all things Japanese to the joy he found in hiking, he was most at home when working and active in the outdoors; although he preferred a Holiday Inn to a tent. He was able to express this love with his final job working in the rose garden at Bush park. The public library became his home away from home when he retired. He was a life-long voracious reader and especially loved adventure, philosophy and poetry. He was incredibly generous; during one trip to Ghana he passed a workman on the road who was dressed in rags, he walked up to the man and literally gave him the shirt off his back. He made an impact on all those that met him and lived his life with purpose and enthusiasm. One of his favorite authors was Dylan Thomas whose poem “Do not go gentle into that good night” epitomizes Lou’s spirit. Lou raged… he raged against the dying of the light and truly lived his life to the utmost.

A Celebration of Life Open House is planned for Sunday April 3, 2016 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Pringle Hall, 606 Church Street SE in Salem, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Yakote Women Farmers at http://yakotewomenfarmers.org or by check.