Memorial to be held for former SLO County supervisor, environmentalist Kurt Kupper
Kurt Kupper, a steadfast environmentalist who served on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors for three terms, died Feb. 16 at 83 years old.
A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St.
“Friends and family are all invited,” the obituary said.
Kupper attended Canoga Park High School in Los Angeles, going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cal Poly.
During his 12 years on the board, the then-supervisor supported a host of environmental protections, including maintaining local air quality and the county’s green spaces.
“He championed slow, responsible growth and development, ensuring that the area’s natural beauty and community spirit would endure for generations,” his obituary said.
Kupper was a staunch opponent of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant and offshore drilling efforts, though his positions were often in a minority of two on the board, according to a 1983 Telegram-Tribune article.
Kupper and former Supervisor Richard Kresja forged a friendship as the only declared “slow growth” liberals during their two terms together on the board. Their bond deepened through the years. “The Two Ks” fought for their shared environmental causes, women’s rights and growth determined by an area’s ability to support and sustain it.
While working as a SLO County supervisor, Kupper also raised a small flock of sheep on five acres with his wife, Kathleen, and their four sons.
His experience with farm animals propelled him to take the title of champion goat milker in South County, earning first prize at the sixth annual Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival in 1981, The Telegram-Tribune wrote at the time.
After his tenure on the board, Kupper ran for state Assembly but lost to Republican Salinas businessman Eric Seastrand in 1982, the Telegram-Tribune reported.
He retired from the Board of Supervisors in 1984 and went on to become the director of the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo. Also known as ECOSLO, the nonprofit seeks to protect the county’s environment through community engagement and advocacy.
Kupper also started Rock Solid Recycling in Morro Bay and managed operations at San Luis Obispo’s recycling yard, according to his obituary.
“He inspired many through his unwavering dedication to nature and sustainability,” the obituary said.
