July 18, 1930 ~ Feb. 24, 2017
Louis (Lou) H. Hirschman, age 86, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Saint Mary’s Hospital on February 24, 2017.
Lou was born in a farmhouse in Hartington, Nebraska on July 18, 1930.
He grew up in Ketchum, Idaho and spent a lot of time outdoors fishing and hunting. He skied, played baseball and his favorite sport, basketball. His Mom and Dad owned the famous Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum. As a teenager he got to know Ernest Hemingway and some of his famous actor and musician friends (like Gary Cooper and Harry James) that would visit Ernest. He would take those friends to some of his favorite fishing holes and some great places to hunt ducks and birds. He also would caddy for the guys and their wives. He became a pilot as a teenager.
He graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of Idaho and taught school and coached basketball in small Idaho towns like Haley. He loved to talk about his coaching experiences and his players.
In 1961 he moved to Fallon, Nevada where he became the principal of Churchill County High School. He was fond of his students and staff and liked the fact that he hired a young Chis Ault as an assistant coach to the football program and that his basketball team became state champions.
He moved to Douglas County in 1976 and worked as Assistant Superintendent of Schools, until his retirement in 1990. He was a longtime University of Nevada football and basketball season ticket holder and loved his Wolf Pack.
In his retirement, Lou and his wife Flo enjoyed vacationing to Mexico, Hawaii and Oregon, as well as traveling the West in their motorhome. He had a deep love for animals and was known to feed and care for any “critter” he encountered. He was a fascinating storyteller in addition to being an avid poker player and growing a spectacular rose garden. Most importantly, Lou loved his family and would always put others’ needs before his own.
Lou is survived by his wife of 44 years, Flo Hirschman; children Arlene Detomasi (Garn), Lou Hirschman (Renee), Russ Hirschman, Cyndy Hallam (Dale Vanderlinden), Kelly Shadburne (John), Rick Hallam (Jennifer). “Brothers” Buddy Garcia (Kathy), Bob Garcia, Jim Garcia (Connie), Mel Garcia (deceased) (Syd); 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
It was Lou’s wish to have his body donated to the University of Nevada Medical School.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Lou in the near future.
