Friends and Family Gather to Honor Andrew Baker

In June, my family had the opportunity to go on a mini-pilgrimage of sorts to Kanuga. A place where I, as well as Andrew, are very familiar. A place synonymous with our upbringing and truly our spiritual home and thin place. I’ve long thought of Kanuga as being akin to an older sibling, as did Andrew.

In our collective 30+ years of attending Kanuga, my parents had never been! They have heard us ramble on and on about our home up in the mountains. I’m happy to say that has finally changed.

When Andrew Baker passed, I wondered so many things and one that stood out was his legacy. When we are gone, who will continue to carry his torch and speak his name and share about the kind, loving, caring, smart, in-the-business of making others smile by way of dance man who we all adored.

It is with our utmost gratitude to share, thanks to Kanuga, Brian Prior, KEY Conferences at Kanuga, Jimmy Haden, Michael Sullivan, and each and every one of whom has contributed to Andrew’s Memorial Fund; this dream is now a reality.

In Andrew’s name, we dedicated a beautiful bench and area at the very peak of Long Rocks, high up on the mountain top we hiked so many times. I’m sure he could’ve done it with his eyes closed.

Andrew’s overlook and bench at the top of Long Rocks will forever tell a story of a young man whom changed the lives of so many in his 26 years with us. Striving to make his communities whole and giving back by way of service and in heaven, he continues to shine that bright light down upon us all. His bench will will be a place to rest when hikers are weary; a place to sit and enjoy a sunrise or sunset; a place to be still with nature; a thin place that Andrew is undoubtedly touching from his home up there, with God.

We hiked, we prayed, we danced and sang; we surely felt your presence beaming down.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The Baker & McLaughlin Family-