'He's an inspiration': Fitness center renamed after 94-year-old volunteer

For the past 11 years, Ken Baugh and his signature “thumbs up” have been a fixture at the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center. Baugh, a center volunteer, is often seen behind the desk at the entrance of the center’s fitness center.

Known for his friendly demeanor and his ability to remember the names and faces of seemingly every guest, the 94-year-old Baugh was recognized for his years of volunteer service by having the fitness center renamed after him during a Tuesday morning ceremony.

The hallway and entrance to the fitness center were packed with guests and center employees, all of whom took their turns congratulating Baugh.

Among them was Angel Montoya, who worked alongside Baugh for six years at the city-run facility.

“When you come in, he’s the first face you see and he’s the last face you see when you leave,” Montoya said. “... That you’re 94 years old and you come in every day and volunteer your time, that’s inspirational.”

Now the Recreation Division manager for the city’s Department of Senior Affairs, Montoya said it’s a great honor that Baugh’s legacy and volunteer work will be remembered forever.

Mayor Tim Keller also attended the ceremony and unveiled the plaque placed near the entrance of the fitness center that now bears Baugh’s name. Keller called it “fitting,” given Baugh’s constant presence there.

“Now we’re going to get to think about you Ken, even when you’re sitting across from your own sign,” Keller said, laughing.

The 94-year-old has lived a colorful, wide-ranging life. Born in Oakland, California, in 1929, he lived in Nebraska and Los Cabos, Mexico, before moving to Albuquerque and starting his own rock ‘n’ roll radio station, KQEO, in 1965.

Baugh began his volunteer career at the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational center in 2013. He said Tuesday that the people he sees on a daily basis are the reason he keeps coming back.

“The people are great and it’s just great to be here,” Baugh said.

Baugh said the celebration on Tuesday was “overwhelming,” which came as no surprise to Joel Mahoney, senior affairs sports and fitness manager.

“Ken is a very humble man. He doesn’t like accolades. He just wants to come in, do his job and go home,” Mahoney said. “But he really touches people’s lives, and it’s just an honor that we were able to honor him this way.”

With his 95th birthday on the horizon in February, Baugh has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. He still works seven hours a day, five days a week.

The key to his longevity? Exercise and a consistent lunch. He spends his work breaks riding an exercise bike or doing balance exercises. He also enjoys a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch every day, which is why, in addition to the plaque and center renaming, he also was given a giant jar of Skippy creamy peanut butter.

But when all the ceremony and celebration was over Tuesday, Baugh went right back to doing what he loves, welcoming guests with a warm smile and a thumbs up.

“I just love it,” he said. “(The fitness center) is a super place.”

Photos: Fitness center named after 94-year-old volunteer

Gino Gutierrez is the good news reporter at the Albuquerque Journal. If you have an idea for a good news story, you can contact him at goodnews@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3940.