Born on April 1, 1912 in Washington, D.C. of musical parents, he now joins his wife, "Bobbie," and son Louis III who preceded him to his heavenly home. He is survived by his brother, Thomas of Boston; son, John of Bath; grandchildren, Richard, Christopher, Michelle, and David; and great-grandchildren, Andre, Patrick, Daniel, Lisa, Nathan, Jason, Abigail, Ryan, and Alexander. He was a professor of cello and chamber music and author of the widely-used textbook, The Art of Cello Playing, published in 1965, which continues to have world-wide sales. His students can be found in symphony orchestras and on college faculties across the country and abroad. Louis received his bachelor degree from Peabody Conservatory of Music and began his graduate studies at the Julliard School of Music. He then became a professor of music at the University of Illinois 1941-53. During this time he also taught at the national Music Camp in Interlochen, MI, from 1946-61. He joined the MSU faculty in 1953 teaching cello and chamber music until his retirement in 1977. During this time he also performed with the Beaumont Quartet, as well as a soloist with several orchestras. For the next several years, he continued his love of teaching by conducting master classes and workshops around the country. He had received numerous awards over the years such as, Outstanding Teacher Award from the MSBOA, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Peabody Conservatory. Louis was active for many years at Peoples Church, playing and serving on the music committee. One of his favorite students over the years was his grandson, David, who studied with him for four years. His final "Public appearance" was at the wedding of his granddaughter, Michelle, in November 1998, which he claimed was one of his finest performances. He was a champion of the downtrodden, a strong supporter of preserving the environment, and was a frequent contributor to the editorial page of the Lansing State Journal. He was an outstanding teacher who passed on his love of and passion for music to countless students. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity in his honor.

reprinted from the Lansing State Journal