Louis Robert Bindner

Lou lived to the tender age of 99! He died peacefully at home under the loving care of his wife and best friend of 29.5 years. We are grateful to stellar caregiver, Nathan, friend/neighbor, Jane, Brighton Hospice and the VA Home Health team.

Born in Louisville, KY to Louis and Bertha Bindner, Lou enjoyed fishing for catfish with his cousins and bringing it home for his mother to fry. When Lou was 12 years old, his mom, dad and little brother moved to Chicago. He graduated with honors from South Shore High School in 1943. His chemistry teacher urged him to enroll in the V12 Officers Training program at Northwestern University. Although he wanted to be an Air Force pilot, being a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy was a better fit. He served as Fire Control Officer on the USS Denver in WWII and on the USS Missouri in the Korean War. He thoroughly enjoyed his life long NU and Phi Delta Theta friends.

His love of skiing brought him to Denver in 1954 where he and his former wife raised their 4 children. He used his Mechanical Engineering degree from Northwestern to work in the HVAC industry. He started Climate Engineering in 1965 creating a culture that attracted great people and provided a top quality product. 

The company thrived through several significant economic dips. He served as president of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) in 1979 and continued as a well respected member for years. Lou started the MIX group - a group of HVAC business owners meeting 2-3x a year to share ideas and support. He retired at 90 years old! He also served as a director on the Denver based Berger Funds (precursor to Janus Funds) for over 20 years. 

Last September on his 99th birthday he received 153 cards from friends, relatives and employees, many saying how much his friendship, leadership, mentorship, fairness, thoughtfulness meant so much to them and even helped create their own businesses. 

Enjoying all that Colorado has to offer Lou enjoyed playing tennis, skiing, roller blading, handball, bicycling, gardening and driving in his convertible. He had no problem wearing shorts year round, pairing them with a turtleneck and coat while playing tennis on a sunny winter day or a US Open t-shirt on a hot summer day. 

Even in his 80s, Lou remained remarkably active. He played on a "geezer softball team" and it was not uncommon for him to play tennis in the morning, followed by a doubleheader softball game, a 45-minute nap, another hour of tennis on the neighborhood court, and then prepare a gourmet dinner – his signature crab cakes, chicken piccata, or pork tenderloin. He often joked that his daily martini provided the necessary strength for this demanding schedule.

Lou and Virginia embarked on numerous travel adventures together, exploring the United States, England, and Ireland. He was a delightful travel companion, always up for an adventure. Even in his final hours, he and Virginia shared their nightly repertoire of songs together.

He was truly a member of the “Greatest Generation,”one of a vanishing breed. Be like Lou! Honest, decent, a gentleman, full of integrity and a lot of fun.He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Lou is survived by his wife, Virginia; children Carrie (Stefan), Eric (Helene), Gail (Andy), and Mark (Jules); grandchildren Sloan, Sean, Cason, Kallie (Grant); and great-grandchildren Cora and Blaire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to be made in Lou's memory to the Denver Botanic Gardens or Rocky Mountain Honor Flight.

"No time to say hello, goodbye"

Donate | Denver Botanic Garden https://www.botanicgardens.org/join-give/donates

 Donate Now - Rocky Mountain Honor Flight https://rockymountainhonorflight.org/donate-now/in Honor Flight