Don Prigge, a near-50-year real estate veteran, died Oct. 8 at age 72. He retired from Baird & Warner just five days prior.
Of his half-century in real estate, Prigge spent 22 years at Baird & Warner. He began, in 2002, as the manager of the former North Randall sales office; he became designated managing broker of the firm’s Far Northwest office, in Crystal Lake, in 2006.
“Don was smart, funny and a great leader. He was a great coach and mentor to his agents. He was epic before epic was epic,” Baird & Warner CEO and President Steve Baird shared with Chicago Agent. “I always considered him to be one of our best managers … One of a kind. He will be missed.”
Don Prigge, Steve Baird
“I met Don 17 years ago … Initially intimidating, I soon noticed his easy-going demeanor and sense of humor. Don was extremely knowledgeable, supportive and dedicated to the office. I’m grateful to have worked with him,” Paula Coletto, sales support manager of the Far Northwest Suburban office, said. “Don loved his job, but it was the people here he truly cherished.”
Before joining Baird & Warner, Prigge spent was a managing broker at Coldwell Banker for two decades. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing and annual trips to Canada with his friends.
Before his death, Prigge was asked how he wanted to be remembered. He said this:
“It is a bit late for me to answer how I want to be remembered … I was basically honest and tried to live according to the Boy Scout rule: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. For those who knew me, you can certainly debate a couple of the traits I attempted to achieve.
“Although I met many people in my life who helped me through the years (and whom I loved at the time), I met the true soul mate to me in Renee Martin Anderson. She showed me what intelligence, beauty and unconditional love is definitely about! I tried to be the best I could be: the best father, the best husband, the best Realtor and the best person. When I failed in any category, I ask your forgiveness and kindness.
“I lived exactly the way I wanted! I truly regret nothing! I remember, in the period of time I did a lot of hitchhiking to Springfield, a driver who was kind enough to pick me up … me, a hippie on the side of the road…. [he] said to me, ‘Have a good life!’ I feel I took him up on that. I have lived many good lives in my years! I have enjoyed them all. Live your best life … enjoy your journey! Thank you for being part of mine!”
Prigge is survived by his wife, Renee Anderson; daughters, Lauren Prigge and Alisa (Jake) Brantz; granddaughter, Braelynn; bonus sons, Collin, Zachary and Benjamin Anderson; brother Ken (Ingrid) Prigge; brother-in-law, Jim Foote, Sr.; and many nieces and nephews.
Prigge’s final “open house” will be Sunday, Oct. 20, from noon to 4 p.m. at Emmett’s Brewing Company in West Dundee.
Don Prigge’s retirement party