Walter Lewis Baker

I was working quietly in my office in Llano Quemado enjoying the view of Taos Mountain and Wheeler Peak. I heard the door open and in came Lew. He introduced himself and began asking what I new about amateur radio. We talked about radio communications for a bit, but I in my haste to return to my solitude sent him with a task to develop a plan and bring back to me for review. Knowing that most people live on Taos time here, I thought I'd never see him again. Wrong. He returned a few days later with a very elaborate plan and his vision for amateur radio in Taos. That day, Lew and I became good friends. Lew, you were always so motivated and encouraging. You never let small things stand in your way. You reminded me that not everyone is going to see the world the way we see it, and more often than not people will criticize and attack, but it is only because they do it out of fear - fear of the unknown. You and I spent hours chuckling at the "powers that be" because they had no clue just how valuable amateur radio is to a community. Thank you for pulling the team together and developing a very robust network for so many to enjoy. Thank you for volunteering your time to a community that might not know of your existence let alone the huge impact you have left behind in all your hard work and effort. Thank you for being persistent. Thank you for standing by me when the silly people rose up. Most of all, thank you for being a dear friend. I cannot believe you are gone...I will forever remember you and your service to our great nation. It is people like you that we need more of. Rest in peace my friend. God bless you. Until we meet again.