Louis Bintz

Louis James Bintz passed away on August 2, 2025 of endocarditis, surrounded by loving family. Lou was born on September 2, 1960 in Michigan and grew up in Orange County, CA, where he enjoyed California of yore playing in orange groves and strawberry fields, skateboarding, riding dirt bikes in the desert and visiting early Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.

In his remarkable life, Lou was a gifted student, self-taught musician (piano, guitar, saxophone, clarinet and drums), backyard astronomer, animated raconteur, outdoor adventurer, sports fan, animal lover, talented mechanic, billiardist, and audiophile. Throughout his lifetime, he could often be found in the garage working on project cars, with special fondness for his AMC AMX, Toyota Landcruiser FJ60, and Porsche 914. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army during the mid 1980s. During his service, his hand was crushed in a tank and he jumped out of “perfectly good airplanes.” While living in Colorado Springs, he learned Judo and trained with the US Judo team at the Olympic Training Center.

Lou studied at the University of Colorado Boulder, earning his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. An enthusiastic and versatile problem-solver, he specialized in photonics and was awarded six patents. His extensive career in technology development brought him many cherished friends, and took him and his family on a lifelong adventure through Colorado, California, Michigan, The Netherlands, and, ultimately, to Washington State.

Lou and Yvonne met as students at Boulder. They enjoyed cheering on the CU Buffaloes, hiking and camping, attending concerts and raising three children. Lou volunteered as a recreation soccer coach, math coach, and Camas High School Science Olympiad parent coach. Each of his children made him endlessly proud in their pursuits. He eagerly shared his love and knowledge of the natural world with all his family, who continue to be outdoor enthusiasts.

Lou had the good fortune of family and friends who loved him and shared in his interests during his life. Surviving family include his wife Yvonne, son Marcus, daughters Corinne and Julia, and siblings Wendy (Brent) Davis and Clay Bintz. Lou was preceded in death by his parents.

Lou was not a formal man, and there is no traditional service planned. Our family will remember him by gathering at one of his favorite telescope camping spots later this fall. Your love is always welcome as we remember our dad, husband, brother, and friend, Lou.