Louis R. Islander

Louis R. Islander

July 1, 1931 – July 15, 2013

(BS/MS Mech Eng, JD, ret.)

Louis Islander was born in Detroit, MI, the second of three sons born to Steve and May Islander. The Islander family relocated to Downey, CA, where Louis attended Excelsior H.S., graduating in 1948. Louis enrolled at Pasadena City College and transferred to U.S.C., where he completed B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering in 1957 and 1962 respectively. In 1979, Louis completed his law degree at Pacific Coast University School of Law. Louis began as a tool designer at McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach and progressed through his career into engineering management positions of increasing responsibility, until his retirement. After retirement, Louis worked as a contractor, providing his expertise with strain gauges to the Space Shuttle and B2 programs in the late 1980's. Louis met the love of his life, Patricia Poston, an elementary school teacher and C.S.U.L.B. alumni, through mutual friends, and the couple was married in 1956. The couple travelled extensively before starting their family, visiting many European and Asian countries. However, the couple always harbored a soft spot in their hearts for the Hawaiian Islands, where they had spent their month-long honeymoon. The couple settled down in the Rossmoor community near Los Alamitos, CA. There they started their family. Robert was born in 1962 and Karen was born in 1965. In 1972, the family moved to Park Estates in Long Beach, CA. Louis passed away at Los Alamitos Hospital with family members by his side, from metastatic prostate cancer. Louis Islander is predeceased by his daughter, Karen (April 6, 2013) and is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son, Robert; his daughter-in-law, Alison; sister-in-law, Sue; brother-in-law, Dwayne; his son-in-law, Dan; granddaughters, Stephanie, Megan and Brittany; many nephews, cousins and their families. Louis will be fondly remembered by his friends and family for his loyalty to his alma mater's Trojan football team and his love of a good discussion. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits.