Joseph Baque
March 1, 1922 - November 6, 2022
Olympia, Washington - With gratitude for having known and loved such a remarkable, talented, and loving man, we announce the passing of our Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Music Man, Teacher, Legend, and Friend, Joe Baque. Joe passed away peacefully November 6, 2022, surrounded by love and adoration after 100 incredible years.
Joe was born March 1, 1922 to Joseph Baque Sr. and Emma Schmidt Baque in Queens, New York. He married his love, Carol Scott, in 1986 and together they made Olympia, Washington their home. Four years later, Carol & Joe adopted two-year-old John Baque from Bangkok, Thailand. This, as Joe would say throughout his life, was his "Greatest Adventure."
Joe made a name for himself after his first piano gig at 13. As a young man, he took lessons from a concert pianist, studied composition from a student of Arnold Schoenberg and got his degree (with a double major) from Empire State College, SUNY, when he was 52. Joe composed musicals, improvised endless creative riffs, and played with the greats of New York's jazz scene including Louis Armstrong & Stan Getz. He also appeared in Carnegie Hall, on the Tonight Show, the Morning Show, and the Merv Griffin Show. In Olympia, Joe earned the prestigious "Award for Excellence in the Arts" from the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. An iconic local musician, Joe played for celebratory events, concerts and on farmers' market stages. Through his passion for helping others, he taught hundreds of students, giving lessons not only about music, but about life.
Joe loved meeting new people and traveled around the world three times playing the universal language of music. Always dressed to the nines in a tuxedo (complemented by Mickey Mouse suspenders), his signature beret, a twinkle in his eyes and a smile that filled a room or a ship's piano lounge, Joe had a way to connect with people. He used this gift to make a life that was truly one of a kind.
Joe made a home for foster children - 74 of them throughout his life. An animal lover, Joe always welcomed a rescue dog (or four). He grew and nurtured some amazing roses, enjoyed swimming, archery, birding, wood carving, bread baking, philosophy, psychology, science, and the English language. Joe was also fluent in German, could solve complex Sudoku or crossword puzzles, and somehow could navigate New York City traffic during recent visits.
Joe leaves behind his wife, Carol, son John (Devan), sister Anna Zido (beloved sister Marilyn now deceased), sister-in-law Linda Scott, his nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends who have become family. While our loss is immeasurable, so is the love left behind. We promise, Joe, to always do our best to honor your legacy of music, gentleness and, above all else, kindness.
We invite friends for a celebration of Joe's life on what would have been his 101st birthday, March 1, 2023. Details to follow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Olympian on Nov. 13, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Baque

Sponsored by Return Home Green Funeral Home - Auburn.

14 Entries

Russ Hubley

March 1, 2023

While Joe will be missed by so many, the experience of knowing him will last a lifetime.
Russ and Chris Hubley

John & Carol Baque

January 29, 2023

Thank you for your patience as we have taken our time sorting the details for my father´s celebration of life.
We will be hosting an open house style celebration on March 1st, 2023, what would have been his 101st Birthday at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts - Black Box. Short Program starts @ 7:30PM. We are excited to share in your fond memories of my extraordinary father. Thank you for all your love and support.

We will have Live Streaming Options available. Details to come.

- Carol & John

Jon Epstein

November 23, 2022

Joe was not only the greatest musician I ever knew but also the one with the smallest ego. Joe was so kind and humble. Even though he was obviously the most talented and gifted musician in the room he made you feel like you were the greatest! I was always embarrassed to call myself a musician in his presence but not because of anything Joe did or said.

Many years ago I interviewed him on KAOS-FM radio and a listener called in and complimented Joe, live on-air, that Joe was the greatest jazz musician in Olympia. After the caller rang off Joe said he didn't consider himself to be a jazz musician. I was incredulous and asked Joe what kind of musician he was. He answered that he was a commercial musician because he played "whatever you want." Indeed, Joe would play whatever you wanted. No ego! While most musicians I've worked with argue about what to play and get angry when I'd make suggestions about their performance - Joe was such a professional. He was more than happy to play "whatever you wanted!"

I learned so much about music and life from him. I'm a better person, better musician, and better music teacher for having met him. He wasn't even Jewish but he spoke better Yiddish than I which he never let me forget. I feel so fortunate for having met him. RIP Joe. I'll miss you.

Dave Cook

November 20, 2022

Joe Baque was one of the last of the old school musicians and pianists who knew and could memorize all the styles and genres and nuances about a particular piece of music and what would work best for a particular situation or individual. It was truly a magical experience to have taken a couple of lessons from him.

Dave McCrary

November 20, 2022

What a gracious man Joe was most of all a wonderful friend to me and musician. His knowledge was extensive. He will be missed in our community. Dave McCrary

Sam

November 20, 2022

After knowing Joe and Carol for almost 30 years and enjoyed his music whenever I was there, I discovered he had played with my Uncles in New York back in the 30's and 40's and he told me when he was a mere child they would sneak him in to play in the 'speakeasies' and give him 50 cents and usher him out the back door! We miss you Joe and grateful for having known you..Carol we will always be here for you..Sam

Adi Khalsa

November 18, 2022

I worked at Carnegie´s Restaurant when Joe played the piano. He was a treasure. My condolences to his family.

Janelle Baldwin

November 18, 2022

Dear Carol,
You and I met in passing while we both worked for WA State. What I remembered from out brief talks were your love of this talented and creative man. May Joe rest in eternal peace. And may the memories of your mutual love and your many years together bring you peace. My deepest sympathy.

Jay t scott

November 17, 2022

We love you Joe
Thanks for the joy
Jay T nikki Finn

Joe Illing

November 15, 2022

Joe was a man beloved by all who knew him ... RIP

Michelle S Johnson

November 14, 2022

A very special human. Rest In Peace, Joe.

Janie Fish

November 14, 2022

I have fond memories of Joe in his beret picking up John from Great Beginnings Childcare Center. He has left innumerable memories, a beautiful son and loving family and friends. What a great life he had!

John Kersting

November 13, 2022

Joe set the standard for kindness and understatement while able to weave magic on the keys in every setting. With every viewing and every encounter, a peaceful, easy nature filled your heart and soul. Joe was a friend to everyone he met and the twinkle in his eye the magic we all seek and know is inside us only waiting for us to rekindle it whenever possible. This man's music will certainly live forever in our memories and that vast immortal experience that makes the beyond. Love to all.

Dave McCrary

November 11, 2022

JOE. WAS ONE A SPECIAL PERSONAL FRIEND TO ME FOR MANY YEARS. HE HAD GREAT COMPASSION AND EMPATHY. HE WAS ACCEPTING OF YOU JUST AS YOU ARE. HE TAUGHT ME A GREAT DEAL ABOUT MUSIC AND LIFE. I ALWAYS SAUGHT HIS ADVICE ON MUSIC AND HIS WISDOM ABOUT LIFE. I WILL Miss him.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results