By Yvonne Zusel
yzusel@ajc.com
Dr. Louis “Lou” Arthur Noltimier had mixed political views – socially liberal, fiscally conservative. But when it came to his baking and cooking, he was strictly bipartisan.
“He practiced Pound Cake Diplomacy,” said Neil Murray, his partner of 18 years. “He’d see neighbors he didn’t know very well, bake a pound cake and haul it over there, and they’d become best friends. Everyone adored him. ”
Dr. Noltimier’s love of baking and cooking was just one of many ways he connected with others – he spent time with his family, sang in his church choir and – perhaps most importantly -- dedicated his life to serving those with mental health needs.
Dr. Noltimier of Rockmart died at Hospice Atlanta Aug. 31 from renal and coronary failure. He was 83.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Atlanta. Internment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.
A native of Churchs Ferry, N.D., Noltimier -- one of six children – grew up on a farm, sparking a love of animals that continued throughout his life. He left home as soon as he turned 18 to pursue his education, said Bill Petty, his nephew.
He earned his medical degree at Creighton University in Omaha, then spent two decades in San Francisco in his own psychiatric practice. But some of his most notable achievements came outside of his daily work, including advising prominent gay activist Harvey Milk and being appointed to California’s Advisory Committee on Mental Health by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan.
Despite his accomplishments, however, Noltimier remained humble.
“He was an old-school psychiatrist,” said David Anthony, CEO of Family Intervention Specialists in Hiram, where Noltimier worked until this past spring. “He was compassionate. He had no ego attached to him like you see with most physicians.”
He moved to Atlanta in 1978 and worked as the medical director for Cobb and Douglas County Public Mental Health and also served in the Air Force Reserve at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta and Robins Air Force Base in Macon.
Because of his varied experiences, he was always able to find a way to connect to people.
“He was in medicine, I had a degree in marketing,” said his son, Jim Noltimier. “But our different professions were actually rather complementary. He had great interest in helping others while I had a strong focus on business. It just reinforced how understanding and open-minded he was.”
Mr. Noltimier, the son, a racing buff, remembers his father – who had no interest in racing -- needing to go to Indianapolis for work and inviting him along so the two could see the Indy 500 together.
Dr. Noltimier was particularly devoted to his church.
“He loved God,” said friend Ben Linton, who knew Dr. Noltimier for more than 25 years. “He was a good Catholic, and part of being a good Catholic is helping others. He was always about giving and serving other people.”
Other survivors include grandchildren Alexandra, Hannah and Cole of Peachtree City and several nieces and nephews from North Dakota, Minnesota and Tennessee.
About the Author
