William Wing Louie
January 18, 1923 - April 21, 2021
After 98 years devoted to family, faith, and community, our father, William Wing Louie, is now reunited with our mother, Merrie Okamura. Will passed away on April 21, 2021 with his family surrounding him.
Born on January 18, 1923, in Ogden, Utah to Wing Louie and May Szto Shee, Will grew up with five brothers and four sisters. After high school, he worked at Hill Air Force Base until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was 19 years old. He served in the celebrated 354th “Pioneer Mustang” Fighter Group and was stationed in England, France, and Germany. During the war, while he was painting a mural in the mess hall, someone told him he should go into architecture. That was the first time Will even considered the profession.
On April 3, 2021 Will was awarded the Chinese-American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal.
After the war ended, with the support of the GI Bill, Will was one of seven members in the first graduating class of the School of Architecture at the University of Utah in 1951. He was the first minority and Asian to be licensed as an Architect in the State of Utah in 1957. After graduation, Will worked in the offices of Scott and Beecher. In 1958, at the young age of 35, Will was offered a partnership and the firm was renamed Scott and Louie, later evolving into Scott, Louie, and Browning. Over the next 40 years, the award-winning firm would go on to design over 250 buildings. Capping a long career in architecture, Will was the recipient of the American Institute of Architects' Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
In September 2019 Will was awarded the University of Utah College of Architecture + Planning 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Will felt the role of the architect in society included not only the design of the physical space but also the responsibility to contribute to the community in other ways. Will’s commitment to service and leadership included the architectural, Catholic, and underrepresented communities. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City, Serra International, Catholic Charities, and The Center for Documentary Arts, and was one of the co-founders for Chinese for Community Action (CFCA).
Will married Merrie in October 1951 and raised two sons and five daughters. Our dad was a creative spirit. He created many beautiful works of art including annual Christmas cards for family and friends. He received notable recognition for his watercolors at the Utah State Fair with multiple “Best in Show” awards. Additionally, Will was an avid fan of the University of Utah football and basketball and the Utah Jazz. He was an aficionado of exotic cars and enjoyed golfing, fishing, and camping with his family. Will is survived by his sons Gordon (Sharon) and Kenneth (Janet); his daughters Maria (Jim Kier), Cindi (Dan) Kaschmitter, Lisa (Paul Cisneros), Teresa (Richard) Leigh, and Melanie Louie; his grandchildren Kelli (Tracy) and William R. (Anna) Louie, Alex (Nancy) and Niki Kaschmitter, William Cisneros, Taylor and Christopher Leigh, and Anna, Andrew (Sheena), and Michael Castillo; and his great-grandchildren Peter and Jasmine Castillo, Jack Louie, Grace Castillo, Stella Kaschmitter, and Madeleine Louie; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Merrie; his parents; his brothers Harry, Robert, Mack, Edward, and Grant; and his sisters May Jensen, Bessie Louie, Jean Louie, and Mary Kloer. We are grateful to Dr. Beth Hanlon, and caregivers throughout his life, including Cristina Rosa and Viviane Oliveria who cared for him for the past year.
His funeral mass will be celebrated in one of the churches he designed, however due to COVID-19, it will be private. His family hopes guests will attend virtually by returning to this page on Wednesday, April 28 just before 10:00 AM where a “Watch Service Live” button will appear. He will be privately laid to rest with his wife, Merrie, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. The mass and burial will remain here to view on demand for years to come. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Ann Church, 2119 South 400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. Floral tributes may be arranged through Orchid Dynasty Millcreek (801)930-0011.
In Loving Memory
Thinking of you and your family and wishing you moments of peace and comfort... “Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.”
I am so sorry for your loss, but joyful in the idea that he is reunited with Merrie. Your dad was such a good man. I had the honor of working with him and getting to know him while he attended the pool at TOSH. I admired his many creative accomplishments and appreciated his warm smile, hugs, and thoughtfulness. Even in the years after TOSH, he still sent me Christmas cards and I promptly hung them on the fridge to be reminded of him (still have them all in a box actually). I think of him often and will miss him. He brought so much to the world, and knowing him made mine better. May your hearts be comforted in this transitional time.
Lisa, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless. Eternal rest grant upon him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in peace.
Ken: Please accept our condolences for the loss of your father. You should be so proud of his accomplishments, leadership and care for his community and your family. Men like your father are rare. The Salt Lake community will forever reap the benefits of his talents. His memory is preserved in so many ways with gifted architecture. We wish you and your family the most comfort during this time of loss. Linda, Bill and John Kunzweiler
Our condolences to Kenny, Jan and the entire Louie family. Steve Summers and Maggie Shaw.
Maria, Kenny and family, I am so sorry to hear that your Dad passed away! He was an extraordinary man. Take comfort in knowing that he and your Mom are together and happy once more. Debbie Gorrell Edwards
Lisa- I only met your Dad a couple of times, but I always admired his architecture at Alta and loved those buildings. When your Dad showed me his car, I knew he was a true “car guy” when I was looking at the interior and he said, “Check out the grill.” When I went around to the front of the car, I saw two beautiful car badges that only a true aficionado would have displayed on their car. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I know he will be missed by many.
Condolences from Anne & Richard and all at Boxted Airfield Historical Group. It has been an honour to have met and known this wonderful gentle man. He was extremely kind to our organisation. We shall miss him.
Melanie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father was very kind to me when I visited your home as a child. My heart goes out to you and your family.
What a gentleman. The Alta Family sends love and prayers for Will and all of his amazing extended family. Will was a huge part of the building design for Alta Ski Area, as well as a part of many of the pioneer families who shaped Alta. Rest in peace , sir.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Your Father was a kind man and I will never forget how he and all the Louie’s made my daughter Hailey and I feel like we were part of the family many years ago at Arches. My condolences to you all.
Your dad was such an amazing and wonderful man. We really wish we were able to be with you in person to share our support right now. We are thinking of you and your whole family. Love, Tory and Jim
Uncle Will, you will be missed. You were a remarkable man- brilliant, creative, generous and kind. Give our love to Aunt Merrie. Our hearts and thoughts are with the entire Louie family. Melanie and David
I have known Mr. Louie and wife for thirty years. We meet at St. Anns during masses . He was a gracious and talented person and I am grateful to have known him. .
St. Ann looks so beautiful this morning. The orchids remind me of Merrie.
A beautiful service today for an amazing man. I was one of the lucky recipients of Will Louie calm and understated mentoring his daughter spoke of in his funeral service today and will forever be grateful for the generosity he shared with me. Although I never met Will’s daughters, I send each of you my deepest condolences and share my love of your father and my deep respect of his legacy to the architectural profession and his important role as a trailblazer in this field.
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to all members of the Louie family. Mr. Louie left a legacy that few could hope to ever match. A man's greatness is not just measured by power, money or prestige but how he acts and how he treats others. While we did not know Mr. Louie as well as many, we knew him as the father of our friends and as a kind, considerate and classy gentleman. He lives on in his children and in the work he leaves behind. We will think of him every time we are up at Alta! A great man by any definition.
Dear family, I only very recently learned of Will's passing and was heartbroken. With the pandemic, I've been locked up at home, unaware of the events and, I am heartbroken. I cried. I am so upset that I missed his funeral. Will was a dear friend and a joy I will miss in my life. Kenny knew I had intended to ask Will to join me at the Beggar's Banquet and I was so looking forward to its return after the post pandemic opening up of the goings on in the world. I so missed my dear friend... and now, he will remain a cherished figure iny life. To all the family, you will be in my prayers. I've known so many of you nearly my whole life. My deepest condolences. I will miss my dear friend, Will. He was a bright spot in my life. I hope mom and daddy were there with Merrie to greet him when he returned home to heaven. All my love, Tomi
Belated condolences to the family. My father, Joseph P. O'Neill, was a member of the 356th Squadron with Will during WWII. He and my mother, Pauline, thought the world of Will and Merrie as they attended Group reunions around the country. After Mom died I accompanied Dad to several reunions and also met Will. I wanted you to know they are fondly remembered.
In Loving Memory
