Rotarian of the Week 06-22-11

Our Rotarian of the Week grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, attending Cheyenne High School, home of the Indians.  Our special Rotarian’s first job was delivering the evening paper for the Wyoming State Tribune for a few dollars a week.  After high school, he went into the Army Air Corps serving in Cuba during World War II.  After the War, he returned to Wyoming where he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation before going to the University of Wyoming where he obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology.  After college, Fred Baggs returned to Cheyenne to help his father run the Bonn Baggs clothing store.  Fred went onto operate the store for the next 28 years.  He then worked for Fleischli Oil Company for 12 years and ran a custom clothing store at the Hitching Post for 17 years before retiring in 2007.  His father was active in Kiwanis, but encouraged Fred to join Rotary so they could double their marketing efforts.  Fred enjoys Rotary because of the fellowship and educational programs, but takes great pride in the work our Club has done for our community, state and the world.  Fred and his first wife, Patty, were married for 47 years before her untimely passing.  Fred and Linda have been married 11 years.  In his free time, Fred enjoys playing tennis, duck hunting and traveling.  He has been on numerous international trips and fondly remembers the city of Florence as his favorite destination.  His favorite food is fresh peach pie.  Fred has many memorable Rotary experiences including the time he sat in Judge T. Blake Kennedy’s chair as a new member, which was promptly pointed out to him by the Judge.  He also remembers working on many Rotary social events.  On one occasion, he and Bill Dinneen were nearly electrocuted while stringing up Japanese lanterns.  They accidentally cut through the electrical wiring blowing out all of the lights in the Plains Hotel.  Fortunately, no one was injured.  Fred’s proudest accomplishment was the completion of the Stage II water project while he was President of the Board of Public Utilities.  Over the years, Fred has served on countless projects in the community demonstrating “Service Above Self”.  He has been recognized as the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year” and received the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle’s “Community Spirit Award.”  Fred has been a member of our Club since 1953 when he was sponsored by Julian Carpender.  Over the years, Fred has served as Club Secretary, Treasurer, Editarian, Director and was the Club President in 1961-62.  He currently serves as the Chair of our Club’s nominating committee, on the Meals on Wheels Committee, participates in the Read-to-Me program, and as our song leader when we are in a pinch.  In recognition of his service to our Club and Community, the Sergeant at Arms presented Fred with a freshly baked peach pie and a Rotary necktie.