Myrt Egbert Tugwell, a man of vision, strength, and boundless generosity, passed away on June 25, 2025, at the age of 88. His life was marked by deep faith, relentless discipline, and a spirit of adventure that took him from Louisiana to Honduras and beyond.
A graduate of Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Myrt was a standout athlete who went on to attend LSU. A passionate boxer, he won four consecutive Louisiana State Heavyweight Golden Gloves titles and was selected to try out for the 1964 U.S. Olympic team—an opportunity cut short by injury. He later referee boxing matches at Angola Prison, always upholding the values of discipline and fairness.
Myrt appeared in films alongside Hollywood legends and played a key role in preserving Baton Rouge’s Spanish Town district. He served as campaign director for political leaders, sat on several industry boards, and found great success as a businessman—founding a janitorial supply company and building an impressive real estate portfolio.
In Roatán, Honduras, Myrt met his soulmate, attorney Edith Díaz-Tugwell. Together, they launched successful ventures across the Bay Islands, combining his entrepreneurial drive with her legal expertise.
Myrt the son of Hugh and Alice L. Tugwell is survived by his devoted wife, Edith, and ten children: John wife Jacquie, Andrew, Bert, Fernando wife Gabriela, Daniel wife Elia, Tandi, Alice, Marcela, Andrea, and Naviky. He also leaves behind grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a legacy of love, leadership, and service.
Rest in Peace and God Bless You Myrt!!
A visitation for will be held on Tuesday, July 1 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East, 11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Wednesday, July 2 at 10:00 AM at St. George Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
