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An informal gathering to celebrate the life of John Charles "Jack" Loustaunou, a founder of the Portola Valley Schools Foundation, will be held atop Windy Hill in Portola Valley at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 29.

Friends are asked to bring their own picnic lunch. Hikers should park at Corte Madera School and meet at the corner of Alpine Road and Willowbrook Drive at noon. Carpooling is encouraged.

Mr. Loustaunou died peacefully June 3 at his home in Menlo Park. He was 73.

Mr. Loustaunou was known for his extensive charity work, as well as his success in the business world, say family members. In addition to being a founder of the Portola Valley Schools Foundation, he was a supporter of the art, computer, library and reading programs at Fair Oaks Elementary School in Redwood City. He also taught typing and video production courses at Ormondale and Corte Madera schools in Portola Valley.

Born in Los Angeles, Mr. Loustaunou earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics at the University of Southern California and served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant in the Supply Corps.

He later earned an MBA at Harvard University and had a career in finance at Hewlett-Packard, Kleiner & Perkins, and Tandem Computers, where he was a co-founder. He retired in 1980.

Mr. Loustaunou had many passions, including art, Broadway shows, opera, gardening, hiking, skiing, photography, bridge, and tennis, say family members. He also loved to travel the world and spent much time in Paris, Argentiere, France, and New York City.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Janet; daughter Marie; and sister Marilyn.

Donations may be made to Hidden Villa's Environmental Education Program or the Foundation for a College Education.

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