Louis Taigen

Louis Taigen died at Holly Creek Christian Living Center on July 3rd, 2016 after a courageous and noble battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on July 5, 1925 in Bremerton WA, the eighth child of Louis and Inga, Norwegian immigrants. Having nine "parent" figures contributed to Lou's extraordinary outlook on life. Lou was an All-City tackle for the Seattle's Queen Anne High School, but left high school early to enlist in the Navy, serving on a destroyer fighting in the South Pacific. Lou earned a business degree from the University of Washington while working at a Chevron station pumping gas. He rose from that job to become the Vice President of Marketing for Chevron USA. At the end of his proud career, his retirement invitation read: "Chevron celebrates Lou Taigen, 39 years of putting people first". Also, as a student, Lou met Celeste Purcell, a Seattle nurse born in South Dakota. She was the love of his life, treasured every day of their 66 year marriage. They were the perfect team, raising three children, Tim, Ted and Kathy, moving 11 times for Lou's career, living in WA, CA, HI, CT, NJ and CO, before settling in San Francisco. With an empty nest, Lou and Celeste became world travelers, traveling to over 30 countries. A lake house in Lake Wildwood, CA became the site for hosting family and friends. The family expanded to 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Lou's final years were marked by the challenges of Alzheimer's. In spite of his difficulties, Lou remained kind, funny and affectionate. Lou found joy in everything, but especially treasured the people in his life: family, friends and especially Celeste, his partner in a wonderful life. Lou is survived by his children Tim & Joyce Taigen of Penn Valley, CA, Ted & Jan Taigen of Chester, CT and Kathy Taigen & Jim Saracino of Englewood, CO; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jennifer & Dave Marcus, Emma and Bryce, Broomfield CO; Tyler & Suzanne Taigen, Will, Eliza, and Caroline, Shaker Heights, OH; Travis & Laura Taigen, Maddie and Louis II, Glastonbury, CT; Tera & Sean Greene, Gavin and Braeden, Broomfield; Melissa Taigen, Denver; Emily & Matt Lenowicz, NYC; Lauren Taigen, Fort Collins, CO; and Tracy Saracino, Tustin, CA. The family thanks all of the staff at the Suites of Holly Creek for assisting Lou with love, kindness and respect. The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Friday, August 5 at Horan McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO. committal service will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery. 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. Share condolences by signing the guestbook at HoranCares.com