Help Support Paul Bakija's Memorial Fund and Musical Legacy

Paul Bakija passed away from cancer on September 21, 2024. His final months were spent in hospice care with his wife, Beatrice Demesier, always by his side, sleeping in a recliner next to him, caring for and comforting him. She was his devoted caregiver during his 5 year battle with cancer; navigating his surgeries and cancer treatments so he could savor life and continue making music. As his partner and muse of 18 years, Beatrice has been a driving force to Paul's life passions.

This GoFundMe campaign aims to support Beatrice during this difficult time by contributing to Paul's funeral costs, end of life medical expenses, final affairs, and other related expenses. Your donation will aid her transition to the next stage of her life and help her carry on Paul’s musical legacy.

Paul "Cripple" Bakija was cofounder and guitarist of the influential hardcore punk band REAGAN YOUTH. His work with Reagan Youth left an enduring mark on the punk community, and his activism against political oppression and bigotry remains influential today. Thanks in advance for your time, consideration, and generosity.

Formed with classmate Dave "Insurgent" Rubinstein in 1980, Reagan Youth quickly became a staple in the early New York punk scene. Known for their anarchist, socialist, and anti-racist themes, the band used irony to criticize politics. Their song "Reagan Youth" drew comparisons between Ronald Reagan supporters and Hitler Youth.

Throughout the 1980s, Reagan Youth toured extensively and released two albums, then disbanded in 1989. Paul worked on a psychedelic rock project called HOUSE OF GOD and Reagan Youth’s 2nd album was released in 1990. In 1993, Dave Insurgent took his own life after the deaths of his girlfriend and his mother.

Bakija reformed Reagan Youth in 2006, touring in the U.S. and Europe. Paul also played with vocalist Beatrice Demesier in the band DUST ANGEL in addition to their side project “Madame St. Beatrice.” In 2023, Reagan Youth, now with Beatrice Demesier singing and Mark Zapata on drums, began recording Volume III. It was completed shortly before Paul’s death.

Thanks in advance for your time, consideration, and generosity.