Louis Franklin Chauvin

Louis Franklin “Lou” Chauvin, age 73, of Cave Junction, died Wednesday, September 10, 2014 of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He was a resident of the Illinois Valley for over 40 years.

A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at his home, Doo-Dah Farm in Takilma, Oregon.

Lou was born on December 19, 1940 to Helen & Louis Chauvin and spent his childhood in Orange County. He served honorable in the United States Navy and then graduated from Cal State Fullerton and, finally, UC Santa Barbara, where he studied Philosophy. In 1972 he and his family moved to the Illinois Valley along with four other families, and together they created an alternative living community affectionately called Doo-Dah.

As a long time Valley resident, he was engaged in many local projects, such as tree planting, the Dome School, the I.V. Medical Center, and the County Planning Commission. In the 1980’s he worked at Mountain Energy where he was involved in siting alternative energy projects among other responsibilities. In later years, he was a realtor at Junction Realty.

Lou will be remembered as a kind and loving father and a generous friend. Ever the philosopher, he was known for having a wise word or curious fact to suit most any topic.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Pennings, his son, Pablo Chauvin, his three grandsons, Jasper, Finn and Cato Pennings, and his extended family of loving friends.