We miss you every day Nick and are keeping your memories close to us. You brought light and joy into our lives.

Love, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Kemal

Dear Leslie, Lou and Vanessa,
It is with heavy heart that I reach out to you, my old and dear friends.  We shared many memories in your Wilmette days, so many of which included your dear Nick.  Among other things, I remember  the girls in his classes at McKenzie, my Kate included, sharing an affection for Nick and fighting to be ones to push him in his wheelchair.  We’ve all traveled a long way since those days - with both joys and sorrows littering the roads we’ve traveled.  My thoughts are with you my friends in this time of great sadness.  
Leta

As new neighbors to Columbus, Georgia back in 2014, it was YOU that I wanted to meet! I had made a plate of cookies to bring over, little did I know I found the key to your heart. 

From that point on our relationship grew and we enjoyed countless evenings either at your house or over at ours, celebrating birthdays, holidays or just good times with some appetizers, a yummy meal and of course dessert.

We enjoyed our evenings with you and your family.  “Thank you for being a friend”but more importantly thank you for being our friend!

Love, 
Mike & Mary Ann



When I first met my brother-in-law Nick seven years ago, the first thing that impressed me was his terrific smile. At our wedding I remember how happy Nick was, eyes shining as he enjoyed the party. I wish I were here under similar circumstances today; I wish Nick were here so I could just come in and given him a big kiss and ruffle his hair like always. Instead, today I am immensely sad at having to part from such a good spirit who shared his life so generously. But it makes me glad to know that he is up in heaven happily watching all of us reunited here in his honor. I firmly believe that people never really die, they just change locations. That's how we can try to accept something that is difficult - knowing that our loved ones will continue to live on in our hearts. So Nick, little brother, we're just following your lead; no goodbye, just see you later. God has a new little angel. Rest in peace. I love you. 


Dear Mr. and Mrs. Baker and My Dearest Vanessa,

Hearing the news of Nick’s passing was a shock. it was nearly 10 years ago that you welcomed me into your beautiful home.  Y’all  treated me with the greatest hospitality Ive ever experienced. 

My time with Nick was short but forever remains in my heart. He had such an upbeat spirit.  He could sense my energy and immediately warmed up to me. 
He was so funny. Playing tricks and making me laugh.  

In this time, I send the Baker Family ; Light and Love.  While Nick has received his wings he will forever remain a light.  

Although I am far away, I hope you know I am here in any capacity needed. 

Sincerely with Love and Respect,
Nazanin Farchtchi

My dear sweet brother Nick,

You taught me so much about how to see, speak, and think differently in this world. It is with great pain in my heart that I have to bid you farewell. You touched the hearts of many, especially mine, and I just want you to know how much I continue to love you and carry you with me every day. The beautiful energy you brought to the world is something I cherish and I thank you for all the wisdom you shared with me. 

I have a billion memories of our childhood in Chicago: playing buddy baseball, choreographing dance routines, walking to West Coast Video and browsing the selections (Back to the Future--obviously), and finding ways to make another visit to the Field Museum or Museum of Science and Industry more entertaining. 

You were a born traveler, and we had so many trips together: you fearlessly rode the waves on the coast of Destin, we endured many hours in the hot summer midwest sun to reach Kansas, visit Grandma and Grandpa Baker, then Colorado. You cleverly left a trail of Cheetos up the trail of Pikes Peak, just in case, and we encountered a lot of chipmunk buddies along the way. Many times we meandered through the cornfields of Indiana to visit Grandma and Grandpa Haner, enjoying time together there. We trekked up to the start of the Appalachian trail and enjoyed the fresh mountain air, but not too much sun, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You took the leap down to Peru, exploring ancient ruins, exploring colonial architecture, and discovering the best spot for 'papa rellena' in downtown Trujillo (you were a local in a day!). 

A sense for adventure, and always looking to be on the go. You always refused to let any physical limitations preclude your ability to live your life to the fullest. Papa and Boss gave everything for your happiness and you are a loss in our lives that escapes words, but you know. You are with me always my sweet brother.

Love always,
Vanessa

Nick was blessed with a family who loved him unconditionally. We’ll always remember him dancing in his wheelchair at his sister Vanessa’s wedding in Peru....what a night and a great occasion to make memories with him! 

Nick will live on in the hearts of all his family.

Love, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Kemal and Kerim

Nick,

Although you are not here in physical form, I know that your spirit will live on.  Our times together were short, but memorable.  I have to say that you lived live to the fullest and have seen and done more than anyone i know.  You kept a tight schedule with an extremely diversified variety of activities.  There could not be a better wingman out there.

I think back to my first visit to Chicago where we spent a week playing Nintendo games (mostly was you beating me up over possession of the controller) and seeing sights in town.  I went to my first baseball game at Wrigley field with you and Uncle Lou.  

When my family moved to Columbus it was awesome to be close again.  I cherish the time we got to spend at your parents place eating good food and fighting over the TV remote.  Introduction to Piggly Wiggly and Country's BBQ was a nice treat.  Getting swole at the YMCA and taking a tour of Columbus sights was a good time as well.  You came to my military graduations and daughters birthday parties and were always eager to get out.  

Your never ending search for that perfect video or song plays on with us.  You were most definitely a guru of 80s video genre.  We often burst out with a random singing of the fast food song and it puts a smile on everyone's face.  I am glad that Grandpa Baker got to spend his last days with you, even if he was consistently blocking the beam.  

Rest in peace cousin.

Nick, please don't throw a roll of toilet paper down the toilet,. you trickster you......look for Grandma and Grandpa Haner and Grandma and Grandpa Baker.....also, look up your Uncle Jimmie......love you!!!!!  

Graveside Celebration of Nick's Life

Lou and Leslie (Haner) Baker

Vanessa Catherine Baker (Tony Lopez Diaz)

Nick leaves behind include extended family members, Russell and Nelda Baker of Magdalena, NM, Charles and Joan Haner of Sharon, MA., Gail and Richard Bottorff of Pendleton, IN., Ellen Richards, of Wichita Falls, TX., and Lisa (Haner) and Kemal Celik of Berkeley, CA and a host of cousins throughout the country.

OBITUARY

Nicholas Ryan Baker

October 4, 1982 – April 17, 2021

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Columbus

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