Vernon R. Loucks, Jr.

Vernon R. Loucks, Jr.

Vernon Reece Loucks Jr, age 86, of Sewickley, PA, and formerly of Lake Forest, IL died peacefully on Sunday, August 8. He was the beloved husband of Barbara “Bunny” Linfoot Hoffman Loucks, former husband of Linda Olson Loucks, brother to Sue Ellen Loucks Williamson, and loving father to Charles Loucks (Julie), Gregory Srodon (Jane), Susan Adams, David Loucks (Anne), Eric Loucks (Dena), Kristi Loucks, Trip Hoffman, and Wendy Burchfield (Peter). He was the proud grandfather to Benjamin Srodon, Olivia Loucks, Casper Srodon, John Loucks, Charles Loucks, Jackson Owen, Reece Loucks, Christopher Loucks, Alexandra Loucks, Spencer Loucks, Wrigley Loucks, Henley Loucks, and Peter Burchfield (Molly). He is predeceased by his sister Katherine Loucks Whitten, former wife Ann Loucks Kahn, and parents Vernon R. Loucks and Sue Burton Loucks.

Born October 24, 1934 in Chicago, Vern was an exceptional role model and friend to his children and grandchildren and felt extremely grateful for the life he lived. He attended The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ, where he graduated in 1953, and where he later served as a Trustee . He was a graduate of Yale University in 1957, having been a distinguished member of the varsity football team. Following his graduation from Yale, he served as a first lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960. Upon his discharge from the Marines, he attended Harvard Business School and graduated in 1962.

Following Harvard, he returned to Chicago and worked for George Fry Associates until he was recruited to Baxter International in 1966 where he worked for the remainder of his career, serving as CEO from 1980-1988 and Chairman from 1987 until his retirement in January 2000. At Baxter, he was most proud of the people he developed and mentored, the profound friendships he nurtured and lifelong associations he developed.

In addition to his career at Baxter, Vern served as a director of Anheuser-Busch, Edwards Lifesciences, Dun & Bradstreet, Emerson Electric, Segway and the Quaker Oats Company. He was a co-founder and chairman of the Healthcare Leadership Council, former chairman of the Health Industry Manufacturers Association, and member of the Council of Retired Chief Executives.  He was an advisory board member of Bay City Capital, Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, Metalmark Capital, PAX Scientific and Falconhead Capital.  He also served as a special advisor to the director of the National Institutes of Health and on the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Advisory Committee. He played an active role in many civic and philanthropic organizations, including serving as a Trustee of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, a member of the Board of Directors of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), and former Senior Fellow of the Yale Corporation. In 2000, he was part of the group that founded Millennium Park in Chicago. His awards and honors were many, including the Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award in 1989, the George H.W. Bush Lifetime Leadership Award at Yale University and the 2018 AdvaMed Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Vern was an avid sportsman throughout his life, sharing many happy times with his family, friends, children and grandchildren enjoying skiing, fishing and playing golf.

Most of all, Vern was revered as a friend.  He will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, leadership, approachability, sense of humor, informed perspectives, creative insights, and incredible generosity.  Always willing to lend a hand, offer support, and work to solve a problem, Vern was grateful for and humbled by the amazing friendships he forged, around the world and across all walks of life.

One of Vern’s heroes, Winston Churchill, said “We make a life by what we give”.  In so many ways, Vern gave us the world by giving his all to the world. 

A memorial service will be held on August 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Christ Church At Grove Farm, 249 Duff Rd., Sewickley, PA. 15143.  In Chicago, details of a memorial service to be held in the fall will be forthcoming.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Vernon's name may be made to the Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143.

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