Obituary of Louis Alboucq

Louis “Buc” Alboucq, 78, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2014, at home following a courageous battle with cancer. In their home in Lacey, Washington, he leaves his wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann “Pat” (nee Adams). He is also survived by his sons, Stewart and his wife Karen, and Terry and his wife Lina; his daughter, Debra and her husband Robert Bacon; his elder brother, Leon Thomas; eight grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and many close friends. A younger brother, Raymond Jerome, predeceased Buc. Born and raised in Clarkston, Washington, he was the son of Raymond and Bird Alboucq. In his early years, Buc worked in the Alboucq’s general store. Buc loved to tell that his folks were so happy that he could drive that they asked the local police to come to the store to issue Buc’s first driver’s license. After graduating from Clarkston High School in 1954, he attended LaSalle Extension University, graduating in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He met his wife, Patricia Adams, when she was a student at Lewiston High School and they were married in 1954. Many years later, they eloped to Hawaii to renew their vows. While going to school at night and building a home for his family, Buc worked at Stout Electric, starting as an electrician and eventually becoming the comptroller. After several years, Buc took a position as the controller for the Hanford House hotel in the Tri-Cities, Washington. He enjoyed the hospitality industry, learning all the various roles, especially the front desk where he could ensure that all his guests would enjoy their visit. In 1975, Buc became general manager of the Doric Motor Hotel in Tacoma, Washington, where, in 1976, he was elected Tacoma’s Boss of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA). Buc made sure that everyone was welcome and happy. As a Chairman of the Tacoma area Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Committee and member of the Advisory Committee for Tacoma RSVP, Buc was a key leader in gathering the businesses of Tacoma to create a new vision for revitalizing the community as a tourist destination. Leaving the Doric Hotel, Buc became general manager of the Vance Hotel in Seattle, Washington. Never one to take it easy, he and Patricia started their own successful business when they opened Travel Office, a full service travel agency in Kirkland, Washington. Buc was very proud to become a certified travel consultant. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. Buc was invited to the Tacoma Rotary, representing the Hospitality industry. In Kirkland, Buc was invited to that community’s Rotary chapter, representing the Travel industry. He served as the chapter secretary for many years, working alongside his good friend, Ray Fauerbach, who was the treasurer. Buc was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 1984. Buc was also involved in Hell’s Rotary, a group of Rotarians who enjoyed their motorcycles. Buc loved to bike. Buc and Pat had many adventures on their motorcycle, a Goldwing, crisscrossing the continental U.S. and Canada. Buc was known to boast that he had ridden motorcycles over 700,000 miles. As a young father, he enjoyed taking his children on scooter rides. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society. Please leave memories of Buc or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.