Louis (Lou) Endre Kapcsandy Sr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lou Kapcsandy at the age of 85, who died peacefully at home in his sleep. Lou (Lajos) Kapcsandy was born in Budapest, Hungary on June 5, 1936. As an accomplished student, he embarked early on a path to chemical engineering, simultaneously excelling as a youth reserve for the Hungarian National Soccer Team, runner-up in the World Cup of 1954. In the wake of the 1956 revolt against communist Russian occupation, he escaped from his beloved country in pursuit of freedom, selecting the U.S. as his chosen destination. After working odd jobs and studying at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, culminating with decorated service in the 82nd Airborne division. After enduring several harsh East Coast winters, he and a close friend drove the length of the country via Route 66, landed in California and Lou quickly found his way to the Bay Area, specifically Sausalito. There in 1963, he met the one true love of his life, Roberta Marie Henson, they were married in Victorville (Bobbie's hometown), the following January and were inseparable for over 57 years. The newlyweds homesteaded from Marina Del Rey to Novato, then briefly to Wichita, Kansas before settling around the greater Seattle area from 1973-2003. After several engineering stints, Lou started a curtain-wall business, contracting services for skyscrapers that began piercing the Seattle skyline in the late-70s. From there, he rose through the ranks of general contractor Baugh Construction in the '80s and '90s. Under his direction, the company built hangars for Boeing aircraft, campuses for Microsoft and Intel and completed a major expansion of the Portland, Oregon airport. During this time, Lou philanthropically developed a team of mobile medical units whose main task was to provide immediate care for vineyard workers throughout the rapidly-growing Washington grape farming community. Destiny played a critical role, when in 1998, on vacation in Bordeaux, France, Lou convinced his beloved wife to consider returning to northern California, for retirement with a 'hobby' plan to produce 'about 100 cases' of wine with purchased grapes. In May of 2000, Lou obliterated the hobby idea by closing escrow on a prime 20-acre parcel east of Yountville, by purchasing the land from a couple who were selling Cabernet Sauvignon from the property to Beringer Estates. Prior to the purchase, the entire vineyard had been ripped out leaving Lou a clean slate to begin his 'retirement.' He embarked on an ambitious replant in 2002, and with his son, Louis, as his business partner, launched Kapcsandy Family as a fine wine brand with the debut 2004 vintage released in the fall of 2006. Three vintages later, they landed their first 100-point review from famed wine critic Robert Parker, it would not be their last. In his spare time, Lou enjoyed spirited rounds of golf and swimming, but tirelessly promoting Kapcsandy wines and Napa Valley wines in general became his passion and muse during the last decades of his life. His son will continue their commitment to excellence and his grandchildren will have the opportunity to perpetuate the Kapcsandy legacy in years to come. Lou is survived by his bride, Bobbie, their son, Louis, daughter-in-law Wendy, along with grandchildren Oliver and Gabrielle. He will be remembered as a true pioneer and advocate of Napa Valley wines, refusing to chase the questionable trends of high alcohol and overtly extracted wines of recent years' past. His dream is fulfilled in the wines that bear his family name; wines of character, grace and finesse. May his memory shine and his legacy endure.

Louis (Lou) Endre Kapcsandy Sr.

June 5, 1936 - October 4, 2021

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Louis (Lou) Endre Kapcsandy Sr.

June 5, 1936 - October 4, 2021

Obituary Notification

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