Nathan "Nate" Jeffrey Lane

Today, we honor a man whose light burned bright — sometimes wild, sometimes gentle — but always full of love. Nate was so many things in his forty years — a son, a brother, an uncle, a father, a stepfather, a fiancée, and a friend. To know him was to laugh, to feel seen, and to witness a heart that never stopped giving.

He had this way of making everyone’s world a little lighter. Nate’s humor could catch you off guard — funny, bold, and often a little inappropriate — but always full of life. He loved pulling pranks, quoting movies, and making people smile. His laughter was contagious, and those dimples could soften any mood.

He was proud to be Irish — he wore it like a badge of honor. Every year, he went to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and he’d be in his element, soaking in the joy and energy of the crowd. But October — that was his favorite - his birthday month, hoodie weather, Halloween, all things spooky and strange — he loved it all.

Nate had a style all his own: mismatched Adidas shoes, layers of jewelry, and a confidence that made it all work. He saw beauty where others didn’t — in old antiques, in broken things, in the details that most would overlook. His mind was extraordinary — a problem solver, a fixer, a doer. He could teach himself anything. Whether it was fixing a car, mastering a new skill, or even teaching himself how to pierce on dial-up internet at fourteen years old — he just had that kind of brilliance.

He had a deep, quiet strength. No matter how sick he became, he refused to let illness stop him. He fought with everything he had. And through it all, he never stopped showing up — especially for his daughter, McKenna. She was his everything. From the moment she was born, his world revolved around her. He did all he could to be there, to love her, to make her laugh, and to teach her, including teaching her how to swim — something he also did for Tessa and Kiyla.

For 18 years, Nate took care of Racheal, McKenna, and the girls. He was gentle, selfless, and steadfast. He was an anchor, center of gravity, a calm in every storm. Anytime McKenna would ask Racheal a tough question, she’d say, “That’s a Daddy question,” because somehow, he always had the answer.

He loved animals, loved people, and had a natural instinct to help anyone who needed it. If someone was struggling, he was the first to step in. He gave his time, his energy, his whole heart — never expecting anything in return.

Nate loved adventures big and small — from taking the kids swimming all day, to riding the light rail downtown to explore festivals, to lying on a blanket at night looking up at the stars. He loved Breckenridge — that was his peaceful place. He loved the burn of spicy food, the thrill of trying something new, and the joy of giving the perfect gift — never a gift card, always something thoughtful and meaningful.

He was truly one of a kind — charming, witty, loyal, funny, intelligent, and endlessly loving. He saw the beauty in life, even when it wasn’t easy.

And though he’s no longer here with us in body, the love he gave — the laughter, the lessons, the care — live on in every one of us. Especially in McKenna, his greatest pride and joy.

Nate didn’t just live life — he filled it. With laughter, mischief, warmth, and heart. And though our hearts are broken, I know that somewhere, he’s still smiling that beautiful smile, still quoting his favorite movies, and still watching over us — probably in mismatched shoes.

He told us once that when his time came, he would haunt and prank every one of us. So if the lights flicker, if you see a turtle, or if you hear a strange sound — just smile. That’s Nate, letting you know he’s here, wrapping you in love, laughter, and a little mischief.

We’ll love you forever, Nate.

Thank you for loving us so well.

Thank you for being our home.

Nate is survived by his daughter, McKenna, his fiancee Racheal Rankin and her daughters Tessa and Kiyla Seager who lovingly considered him their bonus dad, his parents Terri Lane and Randall Lane, brothers, Jeremy and Aaron Lane, nieces Kaitlyn, Amanda and Lyla Lane, nephew Alec Lane, great-niece Evelyn Thompson, great-nephews Kyler Minardi-Marsh and Gavin Lane. He, also, leaves behind Aunts and Uncles Gary and Stacy Hoover, Kevin and Verity Darrah, David and Janet Hoover, Todd and Katy Ruelle, LoRee Sutic, cousins Terra and Landon Hoover, Matthew Pesa, Brennan and Scott Ruelle, Gary and Ronald Branscum and Sean Olivar. He was predeceased by his cousin Daniel Ruelle.

The final resting place for Nathan Jeffrey Lane will be at the Olinger Hampden Cemetery, located at 8600 E Hampden Ave, Denver.