Louis E. Libbey

Louis E. Libbey passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness. He was 88 years young.

A 3rd generation Californian, Lou was born in Santa Maria and grew up Newport Beach where he spent most of his life. He was proud to be an Eagle Scout. After playing championship tennis at USC he joined the Naval ROTC Program. He served in the Pacific Theatre in WW II and stayed in the Naval Reserve for 20 years. After the war he returned to USC where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. While at USC he met his wife Jackie a Tri Delta at UCLA. Their cross town rivalry lasted for 58 years.
Lou was vice president and manager of Newport Marine Supply Company. He then became a stockbroker and remained with the same company in Newport Beach for over 40 years.
An avid sailor, he raced for the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and the Los Angeles Yacht Club winning the Transpac twice as the navigator aboard the Stella Maris. He continued to sail the family’s Cal 48 Blue Chip for many years.
Lou was a charter member of the Balboa Bay Club and a founder of Hoag Hospital’s 552 Club. Along with friends Roger Hardacre and Peter Hill he founded Harbor Enterprises. He remained active with USC The Navy League and the Boy Scouts throughout his life.
Even if she was a Bruin, Jackie was the love of his life. She passed away 2 years ago. He is survived by his son Louis II, daughter Trish Gunning son-in-law Brooke Gunning and grandsons Halden and Everett.

At his request no services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Jackie Libbey Cancer Fund at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach.