Born in Anniston, Ala., to Louis and Katherine Fernandez, Louis grew up in St. Louis, Mo., the oldest of five children. As a freshman at Dartmouth College in 1969, Lou discovered his passion-computer science. After working in Hanover, N.H., as a computer programmer, Lou re-turned to Washington University in St. Louis for his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. Upon graduation in 1981, Lou moved to Boston where he worked for Hewlett-Packard and BBN Technologies. There he met his wife-to-be, Linda Blakely. They enjoyed hosting memorable dinner parties and holiday gatherings. In 1988 Lou and Linda married. In 1990 they moved to Portland, where they both worked for Sequent Computer Systems. Lou was a proud father of two children with whom he shared his love of reading, math, science, and food. In 2000, Lou left the high-tech treadmill to become a full-time father. He was a dedicated classroom volunteer at the Oregon Episcopal School, rarely missing his children's weekly library visits or science sessions. Lou was able to live a full and pain-free life during his two-year battle with brain cancer. With his family beside him, he died peacefully Jan. 2, 2011, in hospice at the Martha and Mary Home. Lou donated his body to the OHSU School of Medicine. He is survived by his wife, Linda Blakely; son, Matthew; and daughter, Marie, of Portland. He is also survived by his mother, Katherine; sister, JoAnn; and brothers, James, Thomas, and Michael. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, in the chapel at Oregon Episcopal School in Portland. Contributions in Lou's honor may be made to the Friends of the OES Library or to the Martha and Mary Home.

Published in The Oregonian from January 7 to January 8, 2011