Our friend Louie is in critical care, fighting pancreatic cancer with every last bit of strength he has.

If you know Louie, you know he’s tough as nails. He’s the guy who shows up in all black, cracks a dark joke at just the right moment, and somehow makes everyone around him feel braver just by being in the room. He has faced this illness the same way he’s faced everything in life — head-on, no complaints, no self-pity, just quiet grit.

Right now, Louie is nearing the end of his fight.

There is no easy way to say that. There is also no easy way to say that there is no money set aside for his final expenses or the kind of sendoff he deserves. On top of the emotional weight of losing him, there is a very real financial burden that’s too much for us to carry alone.

Louie has always joked (in that classic Louie way) that he wants a Viking funeral — something bold, a little wild, and absolutely unforgettable. While we can’t quite put him on a burning ship, we can give him a farewell that feels true to who he is: simple, strong, and a little bit legendary. Think black clothes, loud stories, and people who loved him raising a glass in his honor.

We’re asking for help to:

• Cover his end-of-life and funeral expenses

• Create a small, meaningful memorial that reflects who Louie is

• Take away some of the financial stress so we can focus on spending time with him and saying goodbye

Any amount, truly any amount, helps. If you’re not able to give, sharing this page or sending a kind word is just as meaningful.

Louie has spent his life being the tough one, the one in black who stood solid when everyone else was falling apart. Now it’s our turn to stand for him.

Thank you for helping us honor Louie’s life and giving him the Viking goodbye he’s always talked about.