Gregory "Todd" Baham

For almost 10 years, the Florida Parishes Arena was a home away from home for Todd Baham. As a long time Tangipahoa Parish Government employee, Todd was very excited to see an agriculture facility built in his native Tangipahoa Parish and relished at the opportunity to be a part of its operation and growth. Todd watched the facility as it was built and was an integral part of all the events at the Arena, starting with the July 4th Rodeo in 2004.

Todd was born in Hammond, LA to his loving parents David and Bonnie Bruce Baham. He was raised in Independence, LA and graduated from Independence High School. Todd was a high school athlete and also participated in local rodeos as a teenager. He was no stranger to fun and adventure. Todd never met a stranger and he was always quick to assist friends and neighbors, which was a quality and trait that Todd never wavered from. Todd loved his large family, his sister and brothers and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Todd was the go to guy for so many people when they needed assistance. That is just the kind of man Todd Baham was.

Many words and phrases can be used to describe Todd Baham. A christian, an animal lover, an outdoorsman, a sports enthusiast, an Independence High School Booster and SLU Lion Football supporter and most of all, a friend.

Todd was seen on the sideline of the LHSAA Football Playoffs every year working as part of the chain crew in the Superdome. Todd also drove and worked for Blaine Kern during Mardi Gras for many years. These were some of his passions, but his dedication was to the Florida Parishes Arena.

Todd gave up countless weekends and nights, working the footing at the facility, making emergency repairs around the arena and acting as the main tractor driver for numerous barrel races, rodeos and events. Todd attended a Footing Academy in Texas to hone his skills in regards to the ground at the Arena. He was just that guy that could always be counted on to make the events and the Arena a showcase for the participants and visitors. He was proud of the FPA and people identified Todd Baham with it.

One of Todd’s commitments he made during the last few years of his life was helping establish a fundraiser for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Having friends and members of his family affected by cancer, it was a cause close to his heart. The fundraiser was held annually at the FPA and raised thousands of dollars to assist cancer patients. The name of the event was coined as “Celebrating Life in South Louisiana”. It is so fitting that this is the name of the event that Todd help establish. It is the way he lived his life. He always celebrated life!