The man who helped create the framework for the orderly growth of Honolulu, including the establishment of height regulations, view planes and zoning laws, died peacefully on Sept. 27.

Leighton S.C. Louis, 87, became the city Planning Director in 1957 under then Mayor Neal Blaisdell. He was instrumental in shaping policy that would guide the city's development in an expanding economy that included a rapid growth of subdivisions and condominiums, said Stanley Louis, Leighton Louis' son.

"He successfully spearheaded the drive for the adoption of a building heights ordinance, the updating of the city's subdivision ordinance, the preparation of comprehensive zoning regulation and the adoption of the first General Plan for the entire island of O'ahu," Stanley Louis said. "I don't know if he came up with the ideas or if he just helped bring the ideas along. He never was one to brag. He would just say we did this, and we did that."

Leighton S.C. Louis was born on Oct. 28, 1918 in Honolulu and most recently lived in Wai'alae. He was the youngest of nine children of Koon Chan and Leong Shee Loi.

The family's name changed after a grand uncle visited St. Louis, Mo., and became enchanted with the way his Chinese name was spelled in English, Stanley Louis said. Only one uncle dropped the "s."

After leaving public service Louis practiced engineering, law and did real estate development, sales and appraisal.

He graduated from McKinley High School in 1936, the University of Hawai'i in 1940 (engineering) and the University of Michigan Law School in 1951, using the GI Bill.

He served in the Army in the Pacific during World War II as an engineer in the Corps of Engineers, and was honorably discharged as a captain.

He was a longtime member of the UH Founders Alumni Association.

He played and coached tennis at UH, and was ranked as an amateur tennis player in Hawai'i. Later he became an avid golfer with a single-digit handicap.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Molly; sons, Stanley, Richard and James; grandchildren; brother, Owen Loui; sisters, Mildred and Lucille.

Visitation at 10 a.m. with service at 11:30 a.m. Thursday (oct.12) at Nu'uanu Memorial Park & Mortuary. Private committal service at the Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Palolo Chinese Home or UH Foundation for the College of Engineering. Aloha attire.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.