Luis Madamba Tupas
It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Luis “Louie” Tupas announce his passing. Louie, age 61, of Vienna, VA passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
Louie was born and grew up in the Philippines thru his college years. He went to Ateneo de Manila Elementary School from 1968 to 1975, and to the Philippine Science High School Main Campus from 1975 to 1979. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1982 from the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus, majoring in Marine Sciences. He went to the University of Tokyo Ocean Research Institute for his Master of Science in Marine Science (1988) and his Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science (1991). His Ph.D. dissertation was a joint advisory with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of Hawaii.
Louie started his professional career as a researcher at the Marine Science Institute (1982 – 1985), then as an instructor in the Department of Zoology (1983 – 1985), both at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus. He then served as a faculty member at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 1991-2002. He began his federal government career in 2002 as a program director at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). In 2004, he joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), now the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). He served at NIFA as a national program leader, division director, and deputy director for Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment. He joined the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in 2020. His responsibilities included being the NRCS Research and Scientific Integrity Officer and co-executive leader of the USDA Climate Hubs.
At the time of his passing, Louie was serving as the Deputy Chief for Soil Science and Resource Assessment at the NRCS. He provided leadership for various conservation and sustainable agriculture programs. He provided national leadership to address global change and climate impacts on agriculture, forestry, and other landscapes, and also developed and implemented strategies for sustainable natural resources utilization and environmental systems management. The work he supervised also promoted domestic and international partnerships and engagement through collaborative research, education, and outreach programs.
In 2005, Louie was awarded the Philippine Science High School Gawad Lagablab Award for Excellence and Distinguished Achievement in International Research (Oceanography). He was active with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association DC/MD/VA and served as Chapter President at the time of U.P.’s Centennial Celebration in 2008. He was also a member of Philippine American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE).
Louie was predeceased by his father, Mateo (1983), and his mother, Filonila (1992). He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Jermelina, his son, Mishail (Miko), and his sister Maria Isabel (Marisa) Tupas-Morgan. He will be remembered most as an academic and for his public service, and he will be dearly missed by family, friends, and colleagues alike.
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Memorial Service: September 2, 2023 11:00 am
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-7440
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2023-09-02 11:00:00
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Deepest sympathies and condolences for your family’s loss.
Godspeed on your eternal journey Louie. Affirming peace and comfort to Jermelina, Miko, and other family members as you mourn Louie’s absence from the physical plane.
Rest in peace Louie–I will miss many things about you but most your fun-loving spirit. You were an outstanding colleague, scientist, and professional. My deepest condolences to Jermelina, Mika, and the rest of Louie’s family.
Our sincere condolences to you Jermelina, Mike and Marisa. Please know that you are in our thoughts and let me know if I can help in any way.
Louie was a brilliant, creative, passionate, thoughtful, optimistic, and fun-loving colleague at NIFA. He brought outstanding scientific acumen to his work and yet he approached his work with empathy and with the premise that it needs to make an impact on people and society. He contributed significantly to NIFA’s portfolio of research and extension investments to address many extant societal challenges, particularly climate change and water and environmental issues. The success we had when I was at NIFA is in some ways attributable to the work done by Louie and members of the Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment.
Thank you, Louie. You made the lives of many better. Rest in peace, my friend!
Malissa McKee
District Clerk
Morton County Soil Conservation District
Mandan, ND
Dear Kuya Toti, I will always remember your love, kindness and warmth for the Tupas family. We are so sad losing you so soon. We love you always. May your soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Our dear Kuya Toti, we all love you, always … forever. Rest in peace now. Be happy in God’s most loving and sweet embrace. In heaven, we shall meet again! ☁☁☁ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
I pray that you feel the light, positive energy, and love surrounding you all during these challenging times. Working with you and Louie was a pleasure! May the Unknowable Essence of the Universe provide you the strengthen and courage you need! Wishing you Peace, Effie
My thoughts are with the family. I was devastated to hear this news. I never met Dr. Tupas in person, but had several opportunities to connect virtually. This included an opportunity I had through an internal employee awareness campaign to help our workforce get to know NRCS leaders. During this video interview, he was warm, hilarious, genuine, wise, and made me feel like I had known him for a long time. Then, he counseled me during a challenging career decision I needed to make, and during that chat, he extended so much wisdom and care and compassion….I felt like I was talking to a family member. The agency will miss his contributions. He was the epitome of what leadership should be–leading the way, but also caring for each other, and he illustrated that through all his actions. Rest in Peace Dr. Tupas.
No candle needed. Luis was a light. He is missed.
Unbelievable! Just last June 2023, we met you and Jermelina in Kobe, Japan during meeting of Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN). We will be missing you Louie. Pray for the eternal peace to the departed soul of my friend. My deep condolences to Jermelina and her family.
My deepest sympathies to the Tupas family – Luis was a very special person – intelligent, talented, humorous, creative, and full of integrity. He showed us that he cared deeply for people and our natural resources (and scientific integrity). We, in return, cared deeply about him. His passing leaves a gigantic void in many lives at NRCS. I feel blessed having known him and thank you for sharing him with us. May your memories help bring you peace during this time of sorrow.
Our deepest condolences to the family and keeping you always in our prayers. I remember the first time I met Louie. Such a kind and wonderful spirit. He had that smile and a way of engaging with you in any conversation. It’s just hard to believe. Praying for strength for the family and for all of us who will miss him so. Rest in Peace Friend! May God continue to keep the family, always.
Our sincerest condolences. Wishing you strength and support during this time. You are in our thoughts.
May his soul rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jermelina, Miko, and family.
My sincere condolences and prayers for the family of Louie. May God surround you all with His love, comfort, and peace.
I will always remember his energetic leadership as Corps Commander in our high school ROTC. He was a kind and jolly soul.
Cat and I send our deepest condolences to Jermie, Miko, and the whole family. Louie leaves behind an incredible legacy. He brought so much love and grace to the world. In our interactions, I knew him to be a friendly, constructive and gentle presence. I hope the happy memories last a lifetime and bring you comfort and peace.
Steve and Cat Whalen
Luis’ memory will always be a guiding light for me. My heart aches, but it is filled with gratitude for having known him. My heartfelt condolences to you, dear Jermelina and Miko, Luis’ beloved family. I truly hope you can find solace in the love and respect he earned from us all.
Louie,
Even though our family get togethers were few and far between, I always enjoyed seeing you . Rest in peace and love to you and yours.
Gone too soon and so young! You blessed us all with your wit, humor and kindness. You will be missed Louie, see you again some time!
Christina and Jovit Almendrala
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
My deepest condolences to you and the extended family. What sad news.
I got to know and interact with Luis when we worked on a large interagency DOE-USDA NIFA-NSF initiative, Earth System Modeling on Regional and Decadal Scales. He was a great colleague and I remember the numerous meetings and animated scientific discussions we all had in Room 791 of the old NSF HQs at Ballston. He was great fun and brought joy and laughter to those around him.
RIP Luis, you will be missed.
Hi Beth,
I hope to meet you do and do some catching up. You can email me at jermetupas@cox.net.
Jerme
Please allow me to offer you my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband Louie. I really liked Louie a lot. He always was friendly with and kind to me. I enjoyed the time we spent together. I’m sorry! Terry
Please allow me to offer you my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband Louie. I really liked Louie a lot. He always was friendly with and kind to me. I enjoyed the time we spent together.
Prayers for the whole family. I have always admired Louie for his leadership and humility from the time he was our Corps Commander in high school. Throughout the years, he always brought his contagious smile to high school reunions and get together. Louie will be missed.
Louie’s love for marine life rubbed off on Marisa, and on me. I collected various items of dolphin theme. Our stair balustre is of wrought iron dolphin designed by our Mom.
Through the years, Louie has inspired me as a leader in his field, and of his family wife Jerm and son Miko.
You will be missed, Louie. Rest in peace.
I have fond memories of Louie when we were young research assistants at UP MSI in the early 80s. I remember his beautiful smile, smart mind, his energy and enthusiasm. My heartfelt condolences to Jermie and family. Rest in peace Louie in God’s loving embrace.
We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Auntie Melin and Miko and the rest of the bereaved. May Uncle Louie rest in peace.
I am deeply sorry to learn about the passing of your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I know you are now resting in peace.
Jermie, Miko and Maris, although we cannot be there with you, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere condolences to Jerme, Miko, Marisa, Tupas and Garibay families. May dear Louie rest in peace.
– Jerry and Florie Abaya-Duazo (PSHS 79)
Sending my condolences to the family. Louie was such a warm and funny person. I met Louie when I worked at NIFA. I remember how open he was to everyone he came across and and always had chocolate to share with others. He was very caring and considerate and will be greatly missed. May be rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace.
There are no words to express the sorrow for your loss. My condolences and heart goes out to you and your family/friends. I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God give you some comfort in the memories you have and knowing you will be together again one day.
Jerme, autocompletion added an extra letter. Once again, my deepest condolences to you and Miko.
Dearest Jerme and Miko
Our heartfelt and sincerest condolences for your great loss. Louie’s passing was untimely, sudden and unexpected. We pray that you take it with calm, peace, and acceptance that our Lord giveth and He alone taketh away. No matter the distance, we will always keep you and Miko in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and warmest ‘aloha’ from both of us, Mark & Cathy and JP.
Our sincere condolences and prayers.
louie was my first RA and one of most productive and happy. 🙏🙏🙏
Louie is a friend of over 50 years. In fact, there are quite a number of us like that. For when Louie becomes your friend, he is a friend for life. There are many things I can say about Louie, but one incident sticks out in my memory. Back in high school, we engaged in a teenage prank. My friends and I would gather under a tree on campus after class to hang out. One day we decided on this particular activity. As people approached our group, two of our friends would pretend to be fighting and are about to get into a physical altercation. We did this to find out what the reaction would be of people approaching. Some people turned around and walked away. Some people would continue approaching and ask, hey what’s going on, or, stop it you guys. When it was Louie’s turn, he ran towards the group, put himself in between the two guys who were about to come to blows, and emphatically but compassionately told the guys to stop and that they can work things out peacefully. We were stunned. Louie Tupas was the only one who reacted that way. That incident is imprinted in my memory because it speaks volumes about the character and integrity of Louie Tupas.
I had a long phone conversation with him just recently, not knowing that it would be our last. You left us too early, my Corps Commander. It is not just words to say that you will be missed by many. Deepest condolences to Jerme and Miko , from all of us in the Pisay 79 family.
Thank you Louie for living your life to make this world a better place.
Deepest sympathies Jerme, Miko, and family…
Prayers of comfort for you…
Louie, classmate, always a friend, often referred to as our Corps Commander. That was when we first witnessed his leadership qualities. From your honor guards and corps, our final tribute and salute. “Pangkati…!! Balanghay! Pulutong!! Tanghal ‘ta!!
Like your mom you left this earth too early which saddens me doubly. I’ll miss your good humored nature and our familial connection through our mothers and the “old country”. To Jerme, Miko & Marisa I am deeply sorry. I wish we spent more time together. Rest in peace Cousin Louie
When I worked at USDA-NIFA, Louie & I often ran into each other in the 3rd floor kitchen, the hallway, on a committee, meetings…. Louie was ALWAYS incredibly upbeat and smiling, even when I could tell it was a day with EVEN MORE to do & think about for NIFA. We could always find something to laugh about & then go back to what needed to be done. His positive, can-do attitude was inspirational. Louie was 100% authentic in his care & concern for everyone. I wish Jermelina & all family, relatives, & closest friends a deep sense of comfort in the coming days, months, & years knowing & remembering that an exceptional soul was among us & that presence remains even now.
My deepest condolences in the loss of your dear husband, father, partner, and friend; it is difficult to express our sorrow, but we would like to wish that comfort in the sweet memories provides you strength during these hard moments.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May your warm memories carry you through the sadness, and may you find comfort time the support and love of your family, friends, and community. We are all here to support you.
NSF Division of Grants and Agreements
My deepest condolences to the Tupas family. Your NSF family is here to support you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
We have lost a great supporter and friend. His positive attitude and smiling face will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolence to the family.
Dear Jermelina, Miko, Marisa, and all the Tupas family,
I’m sending you my heartfelt warmest wishes that your wonderful memories of Louie help you through this difficult time. Louie was an extraordinary colleague to many of us at NIFA for many years. He was also a steadfast colleague of mine at NRCS, where I took comfort in seeing him and hearing his voice coming from his office just down the hall from mine, as we both transitioned to a new agency. He always spoke so proudly, lovingly, and enthusiastically of you, his family. Louie touched so many lives in the most positive and genuine ways. I hope his incredible legacy and the outpouring of love he inspired brings you comfort and peace.
Sending my deepest condolences to the Tupas family. I interacted with Louie during our work in IARPC, and I always appreciated his enthusiasm and thoughtful input.
My heartfelt condolences and sympathy during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you and your family as you commemorate Louie’s amazing life.
He made a big impact on everyone he met!
Suzanne Le Menestrel