September 11, 1979 – November 4, 2025
Our beloved son, brother, husband, uncle, nephew, cousin, and dear friend was born in Seattle, Washington, on September 11, 1979. His early years took him to Coral Gables, Florida; Brinnon, Washington; and Sonoma, California, before he arrived on our island in the late spring of 1998.
In true Casey fashion, he immediately found his tribe of island friends and chosen family. With them, he could be found at Grey Matter or The Doctor’s Office, building tree forts in the woods on Mt. Finlayson, playing guitar or drums beside countless campfires, and going on tour with a favorite island-grown band, Flowmotion.
During those early island years, Casey met his beloved teacher and mentor, Ben White-an arborist, activist, and forever friend of the trees. Through Ben, Casey discovered his calling and soon launched his own independent business, Baisch Tree Service. His work took him to nearly every corner of the island, and his joyful, energetic, and gregarious spirit forged close friendships wherever he climbed.
People from all walks of life-across every income level, race, religion, and political belief-felt a special kinship with Casey. Those labels never defined a person’s value to him; what mattered were heart, kindness, and connection, and he offered those freely to everyone he met.
Casey approached life with boundless energy and an instinctive desire to help others—often stepping in before anyone even realized they needed help. He was a proud Mason brother, a steady friend, and someone people relied on without hesitation.
He also loved to fish, and for Casey, fishing was more than a pastime—it was an act of generosity. If you were lucky, or if you were struggling and needed a friend, he would take you out on the water. That one-on-one time with him became cherished memories for many.
In addition to his wife, Erin, Casey was devoted to his children. Kramer, Ben, and Gabby were the bright centers of his life, and he carried his love for them into every choice he made and every dream he held.
Casey leaves behind his wife, Erin Donaldson, and his children, Kramer, Ben, and Gabby, who meant the world to him. He is also remembered by his mother, Peggy Beller; his father, Joe Baisch; his stepfather, David Beller; his stepmother, Joy Baisch; his sister, Maggie Baisch Hollingsworth; and his stepsister, Emily Beller Holland. He was preceded in death by his stepsister, Abby Beller Zink. Casey will be deeply missed by his loving in-laws, Jim Donaldson and Meg Snow, his many aunts, uncles, one niece, nephews, cousins, and a treasured and far-reaching circle of friends who loved him.
