Goodbye Ian Jr.

Saturday, I attended a memorial service for Ian Baggett Jr, the young man whose life was taken very prematurely in an accident on Liberty Road with a motorcycle and pickup truck. The service was held at Patapsco State Park and was attended by hundreds of family, friends, and folks who knew Ian Jr. from MasterTech Automotive, where he worked for his father Ian Sr. The outdoor memorial was held at the park, as it was where Ian Jr. had his graduation celebration from the Marines. Although there was grief over the tragedy, the peacefulness of the park and the honor of the U.S. flag and Marine pictures made the memorial more of an appreciation of a good person whose time was cut short more than just saying goodbye to someone we knew.

One notable moment of warmth during the memorial was when the lead namesake singer of the Kelly Bell Band stopped by, said a few words, then led everyone in song. The Kelly Bell Band had played in Eldersburg last Saturday night and Ian Jr was planning to see them perform, as it was his favorite band, but was then in the tragic accident hours before. Kelly remembered Ian Jr. from several gigs and was honored to be there. Like many others, I was honored to see Kelly and hear his beautiful strong voice, reassuring and bonding.

There was no struggle to find something nice to say about Ian Jr, as he was genuinely a wonderful person: a proud Marine graduate, working for his father, going to school at night, and looking towards a good future. More than that, he was a great friend, son, and warm soul that will be missed dearly. Goodbye Ian Jr.