A Sad Day for the Beat Generation - Beat Hotel Owner Passed Away

[€uroMeinke]

When checking up on our Coachella Hotel Reservations tonight, I learned that Steve Lowe, the proprietor and owner of both the Lautner and Beat Hotel suddenly passed away on the 20th of this month. The Hotel's website carries only the stark message:

Goodbye, Steve. We'll miss you.
Steve Lowe, the owner of the Lautner Motel, died suddenly on January 20, 2007. There will be a memorial service for him in the Desert Hot Springs area. Please check back for the date, time, and location. If you'd like to leave comments in the guestbook, please do.

A friends' blog provides only these details:

My friend Steve Lowe died yesterday. He was having trouble breathing and drove himself to the hospital. His sister got a call from the sheriff - he died at the hospital.

Those of us who went on the Beat Retreat will probably remember this beat original telling tales of of his friendships with William S. Burroughs, Robert Wilson, and other iconic figures of the times. He had a clever wit, hospitality that never quit, and a collection of art and vinyl to make our stays one's of delight and exploration.

I just can't believe how sad this news makes me and how much more I'll cherish the memories of our stays at the Beat. Truly one of the best minds of our generation

[Not Afraid]

I am incredibly saddened by this news. Chris and I have stayed at the Beat several times have plans to stay at the sister hotel, The Lautner in April. I called Steve's cell phone 2 days ago to chat about a second group weekend this October. I thought it was odd that I got his voice mail. He ALWAYS answered! I'm sorry to think that will be the last time I hear his voice.

Steve was the most INCREDIBLE host. I say host and not proprietor because he made us feel like we were staying at the house of a good friend. Hi wit, incredible stories, sense of fun made The Beat our very favorite get away spot. I can't believe he will no longer be there make us feel so at home.

RIP, Steve. You will be greatly missed.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Oh, oh, oh.

How terribly sad. I quite enjoyed the time I spent listening to his stories. A creative, exciting, clever man who spent his last days bringing true swank to those around him.

I suspect that the hotel will probably not carry on in the same manner-- and I cannot express how sad that makes me.

[NirvanaMan]

The great holiday of Columbus day will never be the same.

A great tradition that never really even began.

A great big RIP.

[innerSpaceman]

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh no, this is not a happy way to start a work day

He was full of stories and passion for art and life. Even having only met him once, I will certainly miss him.

[blueerica]

I'm so sorry to hear this and even sorrier that I missed out on the retreat. He sounds like he was a wonderful man, RIP.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Oh my goodness...here today, gone tomorrow. He was so full of life, too. I never would have guessed I wouldn't see him at the next Retreat. I'll always remember him.

Here's hoping he has someone to carry on his legacy.

[Babette]

Man! Such sad news. He was so hospitable and friendly. He made sure we were comfortable and felt at home, provided yummy breakfasts, always kept the towel cart stocked.

What do you think they will do with the Naked Lunch alien in the dining room? And the spray paint collection in the TV room? He had such interesting artifacts from his Beatnick days, and loved to tell about them. At least we know he lived a rewarding and adventurous life.

RIP

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Babette

What do you think they will do with the Naked Lunch alien in the dining room?

I suppose they'll try to finally tack down the owner who purchased it as auction and never claimed it. The Mugwump's adventure continues.