LOUIS M. JOSEPH

He was a very sweet young man. I knew him as Colonel Buffalo Bill in the Taylor Allderdice Senior Class Play in 1977. I was the pianist. After he passed his mother Annabelle Joseph reached out to me to try to record one of his original songs--which I would still love to do!! (if you're out there: [email protected] ). Sending love and fond memories, David

I went to high school with Louie. He sang "Colonel Buffalo Bill " in the school musical. He was very talented and kind. He wrote a song that his mother wanted me to record, but I cannot find it. Annabelle, if you're out there please e-mail it to me: [email protected].

My memory of Louis is that he was a wonderful dancer. As a young child I took a folk dancing class at the Arts & Crafts Center on Shady Avenue in Pittsburgh, and Louis was in the class as well. He was often my partner in one particular partner dance that the class loved to do, which moved forward and backward in a kind of two steps forward one step backward movement. We all loved it so much we would dance it out the French doors to the lawn outside. I remember Louis as moving me confidently through the steps. I send my condolences to his family and friends. He was a lovely person who understood the beauty of music.

Deborah Artman

Dear Annabel, I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Louie's passing. As you know he was a classmate of mine at Taylor Allderdice. My fondest memories will always be Louie singing "Colonel Buffalo Bill" from Annie Get Your Gun in 1977. He had a great stage presence, a wonderful singing voice and he was always articulate and well rehearsed. He was a joy to be with! Those were wonderful days for many of us. May he rest in peace. Love, David Budway

The entire Pittsburgh duplicate bridge community mourns the loss of Lou. He was a great bridge teacher with an incredible sense of humor. We all express our sympathy.

Carol Gibboney
Latrobe, PA

Dear Annabelle, Jay and Leslie: I was so sorry to hear about Louis. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Irene Finke

Lou had so many good qualities -- he was thoughtful , kind ,intelligent and had a wonderful sense of humor: and for me he was a great and forgiving bridge teacher.
I will miss him.
With deep sympathy for his family and his many friends that mourn the loss of Lou.
Jan Smith

Daer Annabelle, Jay and Leslie,
I was very sorry to hear about Louis. My family sends our warmest condolences.
Ann, Eli, Tamar, Oshri, Karen and Michal Shlapobersky

Dear Annabelle, Jay, and Family,I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. It is always difficult to lose a loved one, and I imagine even more so to lose a child. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your fondest memories of Louis sustain and comfort you.Leslie Purcell Upchurch

Dear Leslie and Fred,
I was saddened to hear of the sudden loss
of Louis. I met him a few times at your home for diner and wonderful conversations.
I enjoyed his wit and intelligence.
You and your family are in my thoughts at
this sad time.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Barbara Murken

Dear Annabelle and Jay. I have received this very sad notice a minutes ago, to know that your son Louis passed away last 30 November. I will have you in my daily prayers. Peace with you in these difficult moments.
Love,
Silvia Contreras

Louis and I met at deer Creek and I adored him. Then we met again at EKC years later but I recognized him as soon as he took his teeth out and I still adored him. I have thought about Louis through the years and will miss him.

Vicki Katz

Back in 1989 I was new to the duplicate bridge scene and had just begun playing in the novice game at the PBA in Oakland. After playing with a co-worker of mine every Friday night for several months, Lou and I agreed to play in one of the instant matchpoint games where an entire gold point was available. Well, Lou and I didn't win any gold that night, but I sure did win gold in the long run: a golden partner and friend that is.

Lou and I quickly became regular partners and began playing together and traveling to tournaments to earn our gold cards. There was nothing like playing and traveling with Lou. He was a delight both at and away from the table. Our driving time was spent reviewing conventions and every possible combination of bids in our system. He would always have some Broadway music or A Prairie Home Companion on the stereo, and the drives were almost as enjoyable as the bridge itself.

Over the years he became my favorite partner. He was such a delight, with a keen wit, gentle assuredness and an uplifting demeanor that was contagious. Over the years I saw him grow into one of the shining stars of the unit and district. He offered so much of himself in so many ways. Everyone looked up to him and he was gracious in victory and defeat. He would make me laugh so hard, sometimes without even trying. One of the funniest moments was early in our partnership when at a tournament an older gentleman passed his wife's strong opening 2 Club bid (because he had clubs!) I got a fit of the giggles and couldn't stop laughing. Lou, in his attempt to save me from embarrassment, tried to explain my behavior by stating that He and I had done that once, too. That only caused me to lose it even more, and I had to leave the table under the guise of getting water because I was choking so hard with laughter.

Lou and I had many successes together and were lucky enough to represent the district on more than one occasion in both the Grand National Teams and the North American Pairs. I know how lucky I was to have been his partner, but that doesn't numb the terrible loss I feel in losing such a one-of-a-kind partner and friend. I will always remember his gentle spirit, sharp mind, and generosity. Bridge for me will never be the same. I'll miss you, Lou. Thanks for being the best partner a bridge player could ever have.

I just met Lou, six weeks ago, when I sighed up to take bridge lessons. A week ago, Monday was our last session of classes Lou. so skillfully taught. It was filled with treats and much laughter, and Lou's delightful smile and sense of humor. He was a wonderful teacher. I am so shocked and saddened. My condolences to his family and his many students.