Brad Kane (another name from the past) reported Lou's passing on Facebook, and I share his note with permission:
Bradley J Kane wrote:I just received the sad news that my friend Lou Kessler passed away. We first got to know each other via the interwebz on the Wine Lover's Discussion Group around 1997 and met in NY for the first time in '98. He and BettyLu's yearly trips to NY after that were always a highlight of my year, as were the times they'd host and fete me with wonderful wine dinners when I'd visit them in Napa.
RIP, Lou. You were a real mensch and I know you'll be drinking well with Dressner, Dougherty and Coad at the great big jeeb in the sky. My condolences to BL and his family.