Gerard Hubert Loupe

The family of Gerard H. Loupe laments the passing of their beloved father, grandfather and friend on July 28, 2018. He died unexpectedly  at home in the arms of his children.  Gerard, a magnificent 94, (almost 95)  year-old, embraced life with a clear mind and a sense of humour. Few men were as adored and respected  as our loving and compassionate father.  
 
Born in Garyville, Louisiana, to Joseph Walter Loupe and Marie Eleanor Waguespack on October 29, 1923, he was the second  youngest of eight brothers and one sister. Gerard grew up on the Mississippi River and in the bayous of Louisiana like Huck Finn - hunting alligators, and paddling  pirogue boats during the Depression. The  day after Pearl Harbour was bombed,  he joined the Marines, and was soon deployed to the South Pacific. He hit fifty two beaches in the Marianna Islands, including Saipan and Tinian, where he was wounded. 

Hospitalized in Seattle, his nurse LaJeanne Florence Dennis helped save his arm from amputation. They married and had three children.  

He lived to know and be loved by five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. 

Gerard was an avid environmentalist and wilderness traveler. He taught his children to love as he did, the sunrise over a golden-hued marsh, and the sound of duck’s wings preparing to land. An expert hunter with a reverence for life, he appreciated a plate of venison.  He involved the whole family in the sport of trap shooting. He competed in national sporting clay tournaments and was top in his class. 

He flew float planes, was a founding member of the Wildlife Committee of Washington, an expert marksman, and carried those skills on into competitive Wii bowling with his many friends in Spokane. He was quick of wit, soft of heart, and a friend to all. He will be dearly missed. 

Gerard is survived by: his brother, Ralph Loupe, his son Collins Gerard Loupe and his wife Alexis, his daughter Sarah Marie Loupe and her husband Dave Loeks, and his daughter, Alynne Renee Loupe. Thank you to all at Good Samaritans for your friendship and wonderful care.