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GUGGEMOS: Let’s go to ‘the Gug’

| October 2, 2022 1:00 AM

As summer residents for more than 25 years, my husband and I made friends with recently-deceased local concert organizer, Chris Guggemos.

When arriving each summer and taking our first walk downtown, we would joke “Guess who we’ll see first?” It was consistently Chris, who would be strolling Sherman. His smiling face and hugs would often be our first warm greeting to our favorite summer destination.

Over the years, Chris and my husband, Roger, realized they shared a home state of Michigan. They enjoyed many lunches and bike rides around town while sharing Michigan stories.

Just recently, we ran into Chris again near the little park on Sherman, where he had organized so many wonderful concerts. As we gazed at the renovation progress there, Roger suggested spontaneously, “You know, Chris, for all you’ve done for Coeur d’Alene and all the wonderful concerts you’ve arranged in this spot for over 30 years, I think there should be a plaque dedicated to you on one of these walls!”

Chris quietly contemplated for a moment, then his eyes lit up and he joked “Yeah! and it could be called ‘The Gug’ — and people would say, “Let’s go down to ‘The Gug!’”

We wholeheartedly agree. For all the joy Chris unselfishly created by bringing musical relief in these trying times, we feel a tribute to him is deserved. “The Gug” name could be a lasting legacy to the wonderful musical moments we’ve all enjoyed over the decades — thanks to Chris.

IRENE SMITH

Coeur d’Alene