Mr. Louis R Conde

Lou was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States when he was nearly 8 years old. He lived in Miami for most of his young life and joined the Navy at age 17 to fight in WWII. Lou wanted to become a pilot, but the war ended before he could do so. As a result of his service, he became a US citizen and graduated with a BA degree in political science. Lou was married three times. He married Virginia Skousen in 1951 and raised five children with her. He was also married to Sonja Harlow and Carol Lank. Lou started The Lou Conde Company and handled surplus government equipment and overhauled marine diesel engines. He also worked as a realtor for a time. Anyone who made Lou's acquaintance learned very quickly that he had a sharp sense of humor, passionately loved his country and was very active in politics. He led a chapter of the California Republican Assembly and was intensely involved in the Goldwater and Reagan campaigns. He later became the first Hispanic to be elected to public office in San Diego County, becoming a San Diego County Supervisor in 1973. Lou loved the ocean and enjoyed traveling. He owned and lived for a time on a 51-foot sailboat: The Walking Boldly. He was fortunate to see Alaska while in the service, he sailed and traveled both the United States coastline and throughout Europe. Lou also achieved his dream of seeing Machu Picchu. Lou was loyal to his friends, loved to wear tee shirts with witty political comments he authored, and always had a joke or funny comment to share. His favorite hobby throughout life was restoring and selling classic cars. He felt fortunate to be able to do most of what he dreamed of doing and his personal philosophy was to give life "a kick in the pants." His advice to his children was to work hard, love your family, and be active in your country's affairs because freedoms are precious. Most of all, he loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lou will be interred in the Miramar National Cemetery. He is survived by his five children: Linda Lou Conde, Jon (Tina) Conde, Patti (Larry) Patterson, Michelle Conde, and Barbara (Jeff) Porter, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and the mother of his children, Virginia Skousen Powell. We will all love and miss Lou and his independent spirit; just as he believed each individual was unique, so was Lou Conde.