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Lou Ekus 1955-2025
Lou Ekus of Montague, MA passed away in the early hours of Sunday, September 28 at 69. While Lou had a deep respect for tradition, those who knew him know that his life achievements cannot be summed up in a traditional obituary; he was a true renaissance man.
Lou was, above all, a magician. He spent his life dedicated to the over-the-top, making the impossible possible, and awe-inspiring. For Lou, creating magic was an act of love. His greatest act was the life built in partnership with his wife, Leslie Ekus. Together, they ran Tropic Marin USA, opened the beloved restaurant Holy Smokes BBQ & Whole Hog House, restored their 1800s Dyke Mill home and impacted the lives of so many, most notably, their large and loving family.
Lou was born in 1955 in Mineola, New York, to Sally and Murray Ekus. After graduating from NYU with a Bachelor’s in Science, Lou followed his passion for exceptional caregiving into the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics. As the Director at Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, Massachusetts, Lou’s ingenuity transformed lives, developing groundbreaking prosthetics which enabled children to walk, run, and thrive.
After moving to Western Mass, Lou honed his expertise as a charismatic presenter sharing his work at the Shriners, and went on to apply this skill, media training chefs and cookbook authors at Lisa Ekus Public Relations, with his then-wife. Lou formed Airtyme Corporation, working with titans like Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Daniel Boulud, Patti Labelle, and Sara Moulton. He even cooked dinner for Julia Child (and she loved it!).
Lou’s career path was not a line, but a series of passionate quests. In 1996, Lou became the CEO of Tropic Marin USA, and ultimately an international aquarium celebrity, eventually regarded in the reefing community as an icon. What started as a passion and three very large home tanks, culminated in his legacy as Vice President of the Marine Aquarium Society of North America (MASNA). Lou is already being remembered by the international reefing community for his technical expertise, approachability, generosity of knowledge, and sheer enthusiasm supporting professionals and hobbyists alike - a tribute that he’d get “a real kick out of”.
In true Lou fashion, even between the kitchen and the fishtank, he mastered his way around live fire, cooking extraordinary BBQ for friends and family. In 2004, Lou (now affectionately known as PapaLu), Leslie and son Seth Crawford, opened up Holy Smokes BBQ and Whole Hog House - a jewelbox restaurant in a restored church in Hatfield, MA. Lou was a dreamer, and opening the restaurant fulfilled a lifelong ambition, he often reflected that the reality of the restaurant was even better than the dream. Holy Smokes was a community pillar, traveling to rebuild homes in New Orleans after Katrina and welcoming guests from all over the world to get a taste of the famous beef ribs, pulled pork, and beloved sauce.
Lou’s professional achievements were many, but his life was enriched by so many passions. Lou brought the same fervor to every pursuit: He was an avid fisherman, a licensed hot air balloon pilot, a poet and children’s book author. Lou and Leslie could often be found traveling, most notably in their 1931 Ford Roadster named after Lou’s grandmother - Irma.
In addition to his many hobbies, Lou would often lend his talent as an auctioneer to the various charities to which he felt connected. After his eldest daughter Sally was diagnosed with Leukemia as a child, Lou became a strong supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and many other causes that touched his life, including Friends of Children and the National MS Society.
As a father to Sally and Amelia Ekus, and step-father to Seth Crawford and Tyler Grandmaison, Lou spent his life creating unforgettable magical experiences, imparting his principles, and always showing up, no matter what. For his children and five adored grandchildren, PapaLu would do anything: Ice skating on the pond to Vivaldi, building a Rube Goldberg, cheering at baseball games, wearing a penguin costume, and most famously, donning his cape as The Great Lou-Dini.
Lou is survived by the love of his life, Leslie Ekus, and their large blended family: Sally (Joshua DeCou) and Amelia Ekus (Levi Miller), Seth Crawford and Tyler Grandmaison (Melissa Grandmaison) and five grandchildren - Theo Grandmaison, Simon Grandmaison, Zephaniah Grandmaison, Deven Crawford, and Maybelline Ekus Bouquillon. Lou is preceded in death by his brother Roger and survived by his brother, Daniel (Ann). Lou is also survived by his brother from another mother (Russ) and sisters-in-law (Mary Anne and Samantha), and many nieces and nephews.
Lou was curious, and he was relentless. He believed that there was always a “yes” to get to, and he was deeply principled. He treated life like a quest, always searching for answers, he was a lifelong student and zealous dreamer. Lou died of pancreatic cancer, and even in the last year of his life, he remained dedicated to his pioneering spirit, participating in a groundbreaking clinical trial, which gifted his family with more time. We miss him so much!
The family is deeply grateful to the many people who provided care and support in his final chapter. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lou’s name to organizations reflecting his lifelong commitment to advocacy and service, including:
Blood Cancer United (previously, LLS)
Or, in true Lou-Dini fashion, simply spend some time taking a moment to make a little magic for someone you love.
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