Cover photo for Louis Taigen's Obituary
Louis Taigen Profile Photo
1925 Louis 2016

Louis Taigen

July 5, 1925 — July 3, 2016

Louis Taigen died at Holly Creek Christian Living Center on July 3rd, 2016 after a courageous and noble battle with Alzheimer's. Lou was born on July 5, 1925. His parents, Louis and Inga, were both Norwegian immigrants, and Norwegian heritage remained central in their home. Lou had seven much older brothers and sisters, and certainly having nine ""parent"" figures contributed to Lou's extraordinary outlook on life. He was full of good humor, celebrating every fun moment as if it was the best thing ever, while at the same time showing the thoughtfulness of a true gentleman. Lou was always ready to help, even when it meant missing teen activities to help his aging parents, as it often did. That was just the beginning of a devotion to family that remained central throughout Lou's life. Lou was an excellent athlete in high school, selected All-City tackle for the Seattle Queen Anne Grizzlies. Once the U.S. entered WWII, Lou took the earliest opportunity to enlist in the war, leaving even before the end of his senior year. He was only 17 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to serve on the USS Foote, a destroyer fighting in the South Pacific. Though he never wanted to discuss his wartime experiences, he remained enormously proud of his service and the lessons learned from that experience. Returning home from the war, Lou attended the University of Washington on the G.I. bill earning a business management degree. He also took a job during that time pumping gas at a Chevron station, rising from that humble beginning to become the Vice President of Marketing for Chevron USA. Lou's career had almost as many moves as promotions, placing him in six states and 11 different towns. He was a smart and shrewd businessman but knew that the key to success came through the way you worked with people. When Lou retired in 1988, the invitation to his retirement fittingly read: Chevron celebrates Lou Taigen, 39 years of putting people first. Lou's career was impressive, but family was most important. Family began when Lou, still a student at UW, met Celeste Purcell, a nurse born in South Dakota, but more recently from Aberdeen, WA. One date was all it took; they were together forever after. She was his Tottie Marie, the love of his life, treasured every day of their 66-year marriage. Lou and Celeste raised three children, Tim, Ted, and Kathy, born over just three years. Lou was the provider, and Celeste the homemaker, but they worked as a team, steadfast in supporting each other. Their many moves added adventure to their busy family life, with the family living in various towns in Washington, California, Hawaii, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Colorado. After the children were grown, Celeste and Lou settled in San Francisco, but now, rather than moving, began to travel. They made annual trips to travel the globe, visiting every continent and hundreds of locations in over 30 countries. Traveling to reunions also became a favorite pastime. Invite them, they'd come! Their own love of travel led to hosting trips that took the entire family to Greece, Mexico and Hawaii three times. The last trip to Hawaii included 27 family members. A lake house in Lake Wildwood, California became a favorite getaway and enticement for visitors. Central to any visit were Lou's favorite treats: teriyaki steak, chocolate, milkshakes, wine, perhaps a little scotch or maybe a cigar, and then a little more chocolate. Retirement brought golden years, with time for bridge, dominoes, and golf. Lou also took his leadership skills to the golf course, serving as president of Peninsula Golf Club in San Mateo, CA. Season tickets to the 49ers meant cheering on their favorite team with wonderful friends, plus a few championships too. Best though, was more time for family and friends, including more time to enjoy their eight grandchildren. Grandkids loved their visits, and Grampa always found a way to let each grandchild feel treasured. Lou and Celeste also made sure to travel to attend each grandchild's high school and college graduation, proudly traveling across the country to make all 16 graduation events. Nine great-grandchildren added to the enjoyment of their later years with Gigi and Papa thrilled at the energy of this youngest generation. Lou's final years were marked by the challenges of Alzheimer's. He managed well with the careful and loving support of Celeste, but was knocked back with her sudden death in October, 2014. In spite of his difficulties, Lou remained kind, funny, and affectionate. Lou lived his life with joy, delighting even in the ordinary – whether a conversation, funny story, bite of chocolate, or glass of wine. Life was to be enjoyed! A sense of honor and integrity directed him to give his best to duty and opportunity alike. But especially, Lou lived his life with love. He cherished the people in his life, his family and friends, and especially his wife Celeste, his ""Tottie Marie,"" his partner in a wonderful life. Lou is survived by his son Tim and his wife, Joyce of Penn Valley, CA, son Ted and his wife Jan of Chester, CT and daughter Kathy Taigen and her husband Jim Saracino of Englewood, CO; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jennifer and Dave Marcus of Broomfield CO, and their children Emma Celeste and Bryce; Tyler Louis and Suzanne Taigen of Shaker Heights OH and their children Will, Eliza, and Caroline; Travis and Laura Taigen of Glastonbury CT and their children Madelyn and Louis II (Lou's namesake); Tera and Sean Greene of Broomfield CO and their children Gavin Louis and Braeden; Emily and Matt Lenowicz of New York, NY; Melissa Taigen of Denver CO, Lauren Taigen of Fort Collins CO, and Tracy Taigen Saracino of Tustin, CA; brother-in-law Wayne Purcell of Longview WA; sister-in-law Grace Purcell, also of Longview; dozens of nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friend, Des Charouhas of Seattle WA. The family thanks all of the staff at the Suites of Holly Creek for their affectionate care and support. They became like family over the past two years, assisting Lou with love, kindness, and respect. A Memorial Vigil will be held on Friday. August 5th at 10am at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado with a reception to follow. Committal will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery following the service/reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association of Colorado, 455 Sherman St., Suite 500, Denver CO 80203. Donations will be used for Alzheimer's research.
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