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Several of these tributes speak to Louis determination and fearlessness -- in matters as sophisticated as pushing the boundaries of science, and as simple as doggedly chasing chickens. When I asked my mother about her strongest memories of our neighbor Louis Sutro, the two stories that came to her mind right away echo these same sentiments: One time she looked up from her kitchen sink to see him lashed to the chimney of the Sutro house doing some do-it-yourself roof repair work. There would be no delegating for this man. It about scared her to death. I just couldnt watch. Another story she heard second-hand. It was also about roof repair work; this time at the Sutros church. Upon hearing that the church roof was leaking, Louis apparently took it upon himself to crawl up inside the church attic (via some rickety conveyance) and chalk-mark the leaking areas. Again, this probably could have been delegated to a more youthful hired helper, but not for Louis. What a legacy of strength of character he has left for his family, his colleagues, his friends, and his neighbors even those who moved away over 45 years ago. |