We are stunned to hear the news of our colleague and friend, Douglas Lugo, our former show director of LDI for many years and a respected leader in the trade show industry. His warmth, humor, and intelligence made him such an amazing teammate, and learning of this news has stopped us in our tracks to spend some time thinking of him and his family.
Go Fund Me for Douglas Lugo's Children
In the years since he left LDI we would see him at events and awards shows and it was always a pleasure to catch up and hear about his career, his screenwriting projects, and his family. VP and Market Leader for LDI Marian Sandberg called the news of his passing, "Horrible. We all loved Douglas. No real words. RIP, old friend."
Former Managing Director of LDI, David Johnson, said, "We hired Douglas to join the LDI team as show manager in 2014 because we needed someone who was methodical, driven, and thorough. What we got was someone who was all of that but also thoughtful, compassionate, and deceptively funny. He had a big impact on LDI's growth in those years. I will always value our time together both during his tenure at LDI and in the years following when we would connect and laugh uncontrollably at old and admittedly terrible jokes. He was one of a kind and I'm gonna miss him."
Jessi Cybulski, LDI show director, said, "Very sad to lose Douglas. I had the pleasure of working with him on LDI for years. He was such a genuine and kind guy. Sending love and light to his family and friends. You'll be missed. RIP, Douglas."
Sales Director for LDI and Live Design, Kelly Turner, summed up how the LDI team felt on hearing the news of his passing. "I am in shock and so sad to hear this news. I worked with him for a few years in the biz and he was thoughtful, supportive creative and a wonderful advocate for clients, coworkers, service providers, friends..in essence everyone who was fortunate to know him. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed indeed RIP"
RX USA, his last employer, posted, "Beyond his work accomplishments, Douglas will be remembered by the way he showed up for others, with kindness, warmth and a sense of humor that brought people together. He made a lasting impact on our colleagues, customers, partners, and friends across the industry. Above all, Douglas was a devoted husband and proud father of three."
Sandy Voss, another former colleague, added this memory. "I worked with Douglas for several years and my heart broke reading this news. It was reminded of a trip we took together scouting out an opportunity in Mexico City. He was always more than just doing a job, he was a caring, thoughtful and compassionate partner for the communities he worked in and the people he worked with. Will miss him. Sending strength and support."
A Go Fund Me has been set up for his three children and donations are accepted here.