Louis Gerald "Lou" Bennett Jr., passed away unexpectedly at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, CA. He was surrounded by his loving family. Lou was born in Los Angeles, CA, to Louis and Mildred Bennett. He grew up in Lancaster, CA, then moved to the Los Angeles area where he graduated from Van Nuys High School. He went on to study business management at Fullerton College. Mr. Bennett entered the "fenestration" (door and window) manufacturing industry at an early stage in his business career, where he became a highly respected "legend in his own time". Lou actively served his chosen industry in outstanding fashion until his untimely death. In the mid 1950's Mr. Bennett joined the Horizon Door Manufacturing Company in a sales/marketing capacity. During this time period, the 20-30 Club recognized his leadership talents and elected him to the office of national president. In the late 1950's, Mr. Bennett and his long-time personal friend and colleague, John Holland, combined talents and assets to purchase Horizon Door Company. After a series of mergers and buy outs, the company operating under the name, "Lujon," sold their company to the Ador-Hilite Division of Rusco Industries where Lou became general sales manager of building products. In a very short period of time, their sales, marketing and manufacturing expertise built Rusco/Ador-Hilite into a nationwide and Pacific Rim commercial and residential metal window entity. In 1975, Lou became vice president of building products for Rusco Industries. The outstanding growth of Rusco Industries was due, in large part, to the talent, business acumen, and integrity provided by the Lujon owner-management staff. In the early 1980's, there was a gradual exodus of management people, including Mr. Bennett from Rusco Industries. Shortly after his resignation, Lou formed his own association management company. "Fenestration Systems, Inc." Under his direction as executive director of each association, his new corporation assumed management of the California Association of Window Manufacturers, The Southern California Glass Management Association, and the National Association of Aluminum Awning Manufacturers. Each association became nationally known and well respected entities within the manufacturing and construction industries. Since the early 90's, Fenestration Systems has been actively involved as consultants and expert witnesses for construction litigation involving windows/doors, glass products and related sub-trades. Fenestration Systems, Inc. thrived under his leadership, in part because Lou was highly respected as a professional and a "man among men." His awards and honors were numerous; a few included: Outstanding Member Award, Sliding Glass Door & Window Institute (1962); Charles Martin Hall Award, AAMA (1979); Outstanding Achievement Award, NFRC (1996); Lifetime Achievement Award, CAWM (1997) Over the years, corporate composition and interests changed, as did Mr. Bennett's personal and business activities; but he never strayed from his love of and dedication to the fenestration industry, the aluminum industry, and his myriad of loyal friends. At the same time he was passionate about playing golf, traveling the world with this wife, Shirley, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and many friends. Lou lived life his way, with the utmost integrity, honesty, generosity and unconditional love. He was and will always be a shining example of loyalty and service to others. His door was always open. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Lou is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, of 25 years; daughters, Karen Lawrence of Redding, CA and Lynn Fritz of Bettendorf, Iowa; sons, Gary Bennett of Pope Valley, CA and Louis Bennett of Middletown, CA; brother, John Bennett of Jacksonville, FL; sisters, Joan Martin of Woodland Hills, CA; Jan Dalton of Newhall, CA and the late Marilyn Lawrason; stepchildren, Kimberly Giblin of Mission Viejo, CA, Don Klyce of Las Vegas, NV and the late Bryan Klyce; grandchildren, Sam Foy, Dylan Lawrence, Kory Lawrence, Anna Bennett, Cody Bennett, Christopher Bennett, Ryan Bennett, Aron Bennett, Casey Giblin, Meghan Giblin, Tiffany Fritz, Ashley Fritz and Mary Kainec. A service was held February 24, 2007, at Alta Vista Country Club in Placentia, CA. Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary. (The Orange County Register Jan 21-22, 2007)