Daily Sitka Sentinel

Louie J. Baggen

Louie J. Baggen 

Louie J. Baggen peacefully passed away at his home in Sitka on Sunday, Nov. 26, at the age of 66.

Louie was a lifelong Sitkan, born on June 28, 1950, the second child of George and Anna Baggen. In his youth, Louie demonstrated natural skill in a wide variety of areas. He spent his early summers aboard the tugboat fleet of the family business, Samson Tug and Barge.

His hobbies included photography and diving. For years, he was regarded as one of Sitka’s top bowlers with a graceful left-handed hook. Long-time Elks members will remember Louie as their popular bartender at the club in the 1980s, a friendly face for all who crossed his path.

Of all Louie’s great talents, the passion of his life was music. A self-taught blues and rock guitarist, Louie lived and breathed the working-band life for years in Sitka and throughout the Pacific Northwest. He drew inspiration from the likes of Buddy Guy, Roy Buchanan and, of course, his beloved Rolling Stones and Keith Richards. Anyone lucky enough to hear his guitar, whether at a club in front of a band or strumming at his home, his gifted and memorable style was always admired and appreciated.

Louie ultimately returned to the family business where he worked a variety of positions. He was an exceptional equipment and boat operator, also serving in a security capacity before retiring in 2012 after more than 25 years with Samson Tug and Barge.

His recent years were spent as a volunteer caretaker at the Sitka Sportsman Association Shooting Range, where he was known and appreciated for his presence and maintenance of the area.

Louie is survived by his older brother George, younger sister Ann-Marie, and mother Anna, all of Sitka, and his younger brother Marty, of Oregon. The family will announce details for a memorial at a later date.

 

Louie will be remembered by his family and friends as someone who could called upon when needed, and one who could offer a smile and a laugh with a wit that will be greatly missed.