QUINCY — Louie Benjamin LeBart, 25, died suddenly Saturday, Feb. 1, leaving behind a devastated, but hugely enriched circle of friends and family across the country.

Louie grew up in Wellfleet, where he became a star swimmer and a natural leader. He still holds records in the 200 and 500 freestyle at Nauset Regional High School and earned many medals for individual and relay events at state tournaments.

On any given weekend, Louie's house was filled with young people having the time of their lives and basking in the golden glow that Louie radiated without even knowing it. In the summers, Louie organized bonfire parties and spent many happy hours at Cahoon Hollow and other Wellfleet beaches. He could often be found at his corner seat, surveying the scene at the Beachcomber, his family's business.Louie's constant companion, partner in crime and best friend was his brother Nick, with whom he set out to California a few years ago to attend college in Santa Barbara. Louie was the big brother and protector, but he equally relied on Nick's steadfast loyalty and wise counsel to help guide him through life.

More recently, Louie lived in Quincy with the love of his life Rose Harrington. Together they laughed, loved, worked out, jumped from planes, and were happily anticipating a trip to St. Thomas this month.

Louie worked at the Inn at Bay Pointe in Quincy, where lucky customers may have wondered if they were being served by a young Paul Newman or Bradley Cooper.

A beautiful boy, with an angelic face and golden curls, Louie grew up to be breathtakingly handsome. He was constantly searching for answers, questioning everyone and everything. He expected a lot from the world and from his friends and family, but only as much as he expected from himself. He didn't want to be disappointed and he didn't want to disappoint. To be in his company, you needed to follow Big Lou's rules. But when you did, you were rewarded with his radiant smile and a Big Lou hug.

Besides his brother Nick and girlfriend Rose, Louie leaves his parents Todd and Holly LeBart, his brother TJ and sister-in-law Anne, and his "adopted" brothers Pete Brundage and Eric Dalitzky. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Mark and Laura Frongillo, Don and Gail LeBart and Spencer and Carla Laemmle; his loving cousins, Samantha Meehan, Maxwell Meehan, Samantha Frongillo, Marc Frongillo, Leo Laemmle, Ruby Laemmle, Justin LeBart and Danielle and Scott Olszewski, and his wonderful nephew and niece, Patrick and Grace LeBart.

Louie was the cherished grandson of Monda Prior, Paul and Donna Laemmle and Grace and the late Frank LeBart. He is also survived by close family friend, Carol Dalitzky.

A wake will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home in Wellfleet from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Services are Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Congregational Church followed by a gathering at the Preservation Hall, both on Main Street in Wellfleet.

Louie's friends and family are in the process of establishing a memorial fund to honor his endless quest for perfection. The details and potential beneficiaries of Live for Lou are still being ironed out.