Louis Donovan Volpp, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother passed away on May 4 at age 93, in Clovis.

Louis is survived by his wife, Hollie; children, Bryan Volpp, Denise Jones, Diane Volpp (who worked in Faculty Affairs) and John Volpp; three grandsons, Scott Volpp and wife Erin, Bryan and Drew Volpp-Garcia; numerous nieces and nephews who have had a special place in his heart.

He served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Fresno State from 1976 to 1979, then was a professor of marketing from 1979 to 1992 when he became a professor emeritus.

A memorial service was held on June 17 at University Presbyterian Church in Fresno.

Louis was born in Ida Grove, Iowa, to “Mae” Donovan Volpp and “Val” Herman Volpp. He had three older sisters and he was the baby of the family, a well-loved son and brother. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where Louis attended school and enjoyed many of life's experiences. He loved telling stories about his dog, Queenie, his days working at the grocery store and his sisters. His father worked for the railroad and his mother, who had been a nurse, stayed home to care for the family and household during the depression years. He had many stories about friends growing up, in particular Don Coles. These two characters continued their youthful contacts until recently. Louis was the first person in his family to attend college as was his sister, Donna; his dad often wondered what was the point. Louis not only completed his degree, but went on to complete a master’s and his doctorate as a first-generation student.

Louis and Hollie met on a blind date while both were at the University of Iowa. The stories around their dates and early marriage are numerous. Louis enjoyed saying that he was the lucky one as he watched Hollie for the familiar reaction. Hollie was his love along with his children. Louis and Hollie spent many weekends on car trips, camping trips and other outings with the kids. Louis had a special knack for finding special places — or maybe he just made places special, not sure. Between the trips, swimming, church, clubs, choirs and what not, Louis and Hollie managed to “have it all.”

As a father, he provided a listening ear and advice to his children. With each new question or decision, he was there for us (if we asked), he supported our choices, provided insights and encouragement. His breadth of experience and knowledge inspired his wisdom. I can’t say how many sought out his wisdom over the years — between family, friends, students, co-workers and many more, it would be difficult to guess. (His 2009 YouTube video on dovetails has over 70,000 views.)

His career in academics took him all over the globe while teaching in Illinois, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New York and California. He had many international scholars he visited and that he hosted. As a couple, Louis and Hollie opened their home to many over the years, each person came with a story and was seen as an opportunity for Louis to learn. At the spur of the moment in 1992, Louis and Hollie selected their collective retirement date to begin a new service at Haigazian University in Yerevan, Armenia. From the Dec. 19, 1992 issue of Armenian Weekly interview with Dickran Kouymjian:

Question: (paraphrased) You knew that Armenia was in a virtually undeclared war with Azerbaijan, and you were informed of the shortages in electricity, the blockade that prevents fuel and food supplies from reaching the country, the 400% inflation, and the 1988 earthquake. In the face of the catastrophic conditions, how were you able to make a quick decision to go to Armenia?

Answer: For 20 years, my wife and I talked about what we wanted to do after retirement to help others. We had considered missionary aid work with our church. We had thought of the Peace Corps or similar activity that would allow us to put our accumulated talents to the best use. When I heard of Haigazian University’s venture in Armenia, and saw a chance to make a difference in the direction and management, it seemed to fit in well with our desires and what the two of us had prepared for all of our lives: teaching and leading.

Armenia showed the couple so much beauty through landscape, architecture, resilience, but mostly through the hearts of people. While in Armenia, Louis took a teaching assignment in Niece, France during a winter break.

After returning to their home in Fresno, Louis took on new ventures — teaching English as a second language, woodworking, bible studies, grandkids and so much more.