Louis Joseph Prime

1936 - 2025

Louis (Lou) Joseph Prime Jr., 89, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.) passed away gracefully on September 16, 2025, at the home he shared with his daughter in Tucson Arizona. Lou was a proud veteran, father and grandfather. He was a fitness enthusiast, an avid sports fan, a voracious reader and a passionate bird watcher.

Born September 6, 1936 as an only child in a small Pennsylvania town, Lou spent lots of time with his father; a retired veteran who inspired Lou's military and academic ambitions. They spent many hours riding together along his father's Postmaster route and hunting and fishing in the woods. After high school, he attended the United States Military Academy West Point, which laid the foundation for his 20-year career in the Air Force. In 1961 Lou married Heather MacNeil with whom he fathered 3 daughters, Kimberly, Tamara and Wendy. Lou's Air Force career brought many changes and relocations. As the girls grew, their family was stationed in Idaho, Florida, Tucson (twice), Michigan, Colorado, and New Mexico. His career was as varied as the many places he called home. Lou served as a Pilot, Forward Air Controller, Police Staff Officer, Air Operations Officer, and Instructor to name a few. His love of country was exceeded by few things, namely his love of family and learning. Lou obtained a Master's in Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Following his Air Force career, Lou piloted for smaller commercial airlines until his final retirement. But retirement didn't slow him down. He ran the Boston Marathon when he turned 60 years old, and rode in the Tour de Tucson in his 70s. In retirement Lou lived a simple but rich life. He travelled the world, enjoying nature and birding. He found joy in identifying as many species as he could find, and shared many trips with a cherished partner, Beverly Silfer.

Throughout his life Lou was independent and introverted, enjoying long runs and long books. His childhood home was serious and structured, but Lou raised girls who found pleasure in the disruption caused by uncontrollable giggles at a dinner table where manners were paramount. Eventually he joined them in the laughter and learned to be silly. His laughter was infectious. We will remember it fondly along with cherished snapshots of moments like: his serving as starter for the summer swim league; his rambling Christmas eve pajama distribution speeches; his keen bird knowledge; and the love of his golden retrievers. These memories hang in our hearts and minds, collage pieces of a loving and cherished man.

Lou was also a stepfather to Jean, Bart and Todd whom he parented with his second wife Nancy Bartlett. Although the marriage ended, Lou and Nancy maintained a friendship until the end of his life.

He is survived by two daughters Tamara Prime and Wendy Bertellotti (Jason); two stepchildren Jean Vargas (Brian) and Todd Yates (Sam); five grandchildren Meghan Stanton, Gabriel Wilhelm, Isabella Bertellotti, Jake Bertellotti, and Ethan Bertellotti; four step grandchildren Wyatt Vargas, Mason Vargas, Takoda Yates, and Collette Yates; and one great granddaughter Clare Stanton.

Lou was predeceased in death by his daughter Kimberly (David) Holly and his stepson Charles (Bart) Yates, whom we know eagerly embraced him upon his passing.

All who knew Lou will remember him for his humility, his curiosity, his enthusiasm for political debate, and the value he placed on education. May his ambitious example guide us in the pursuit of adventure, love and learning.

A memorial service celebrating Lou's life will take place on Saturday, November 8th, 10 a.m. at Saint Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lou's memory to Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.wounded warriorproject.org.