There are so many things I want to say and stories to tell but this one sticks out the most. In January 2024 our Fraternity was putting on our first brotherhood award show. While Nate was a part of these conversations, myself and other guys planning the event were discussing the logistics and began discussing who the host would be. Without hesitation we all said it should be Nate because he was always so funny and great at improvising. The event was amazing and having him was so special, but for me that wasn’t the highlight of my night. His mother came into town that weekend and I’m so glad she got to see all the joy and laughter he brought into our lives. Watching them dance on the dance floor will forever be engrained into my brain. You could really tell how special their relationship was. I was so touched by their connection. I had met Mrs. Baker before but this night was the first opportunity I had to spend real time with her. After the event, my apartment was nearby and like the workhorse he was Nate helped break everything down and carry it to my house. Myself, Nate, Mrs. Baker, and her friend spent some time laughing and sharing a beer at my house before we went out. At Breakers all of us, along with his then recent girlfriend Bella got to dance and have fun. I’ll forever be eternally grateful I got to experience the strong and influential women in his life. You could really tell why he was the way he was and how they had an effect on him. I’ll cherish getting to experience a little piece of his life back home. From that point on Mrs. Baker and I had a different relationship as I then saw myself as a part of their family. They are so loving and caring and I will forever strive to be like a Baker. To Bella thank you for loving our leader. I’m glad I got to be there from the start of y’all’s relationship. To Mrs. Baker and the family, thank you for raising such an amazing young man and allowing me to tag along that night. I only got to experience the family for a night but I’ll never forget it. Long live Nate. Praying for The Bakers. 💜💜💜
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Susan and I Pray for the Lord’s Peace for all who shared in Nate’s earthly life.
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Every memory I have of Nate is a positive. He lived his life with optimism and love. Whether it was at lacrosse practice or around town, he found a way to put a smile on other people’s faces. Nate was a true leader.
I always looked forward to the times I got to be surrounded by his contagious energy. One of the highlights of my days my junior year of high school was driving him home - being able to end the day, whether it was good or bad, with smiles and laughter.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Baker family during this devastating time. Nate’s memories and energy will continue to have a lasting impact on us all.
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As I’ve been thinking about Nate these last few days, I’m remembering him, Claire and Niko being best preschool buddies. When it was my day to pick them up from Mt Vernon, I loved listening to their sweet conversations in the car and at the lunch table, and watching them play together on the swing set in our backyard. It feels like yesterday that they were so little. I remember even as a little boy, Nate was always kind and respectful with a smile on his face, and that obviously never changed. May his memory be a blessing🤍
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When Charlie was in kindergarten, I went to pick him up one day after school . He sprinted toward me - more excited than I’ve ever seen him - so eager to share what he learned that day in school, “Mom!! Mom!! You’ll never believe it!!” He cried breathlessly….”Nate Baker watched a movie last night and he saw BOOBS!!! Actual real life boobs on a real lady!!” That is when we all knew that Nate Baker would always be the coolest kid in the room…and an endless source of the most valuable information.
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My son, AJ Queri, is his FIJI brother and always spoke so highly of the kind, funny, and genuine person he was. He truly touched the lives of so many. The service was absolutely beautiful and a true reflection of the love that surrounds him. Our hearts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy, Queri Family
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Our son Will Hurley is a sophomore at UofSC and Nate’s fraternity brother. Nate’s post on the Fiji Facebook page in the new year wishing us all happy holidays and hoping we make it down some time in the Spring semester was so touching and caring. We were all so excited that there was a Fiji mom’s weekend this year - except for my husband who was jealous :). Nate’s first mom’s email was so thoughtful. He had so many details worked out to make the weekend special, to make sure we felt welcome and to have lots of activities that gave us a chance to spend time with our boys and to meet other moms. And he designed a beautiful invitation to boot! He had links, times and locations, a Mom’s sweatshirt designed and so much more! He even made sure to tell us that he was traveling some time before the weekend and may be slower to respond to emails. I told Will to please make sure to thank this amazing kid for his thoughtfulness and all the work he had put into organizing this weekend for us. I was so excited to finally meet Nate at the mimosa brunch to thank him personally. I hope he knew how much he touched us all. He made each mom feel so welcome with his sweet smile, humility and graciousness. I told Will this kid is so impressive and how happy I was he was part of a group that had kids like Nate in it. He will forever be remembered as someone to look up to and to emulate. Our thoughts and prayers are with all that knew and loved Nate. May he rest in peace. ❤️💔
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We love you Nate, you always brought everyone laughter, and you brought motivation when it was necessary for the team. Thanks for everything, Rest in peace
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Giant heart an even bigger soul! We love you, Nate.
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Our son, John Gerold, is a FIJI at South Carolina. I attended FIJI’s Mothers Weekend and was privileged to meet Nate, the organizer of the amazing event. Even though he met countless moms and was busy making sure all the events were running smoothly, he took the time out to say hello to each of us and make us feel special. He had such a presence about him, from his beautiful smile & sincere kindness to his energy & charisma. My husband was also blessed to meet Nate in the fall at Saloon. They shared stories and had a lot of good laughs. He was so impressed with how Nate carried himself, his genuineness and his gift of conversation.
My son has shared countless stories of how giving and kind Nate was , and, how much fun he was. May all of Nates’s beautiful qualities live on in our boys . Sending prayers and love , Andrea & John Gerold
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