TOWNSHEND — Shayne Michael Baker, who passed away Sept. 29, touched many hearts in so many different ways. He left many fond memories with all of us. I was lucky enough to spend so much time with him that some others didn't get to experience.
Between his weird noises, beautiful smile, outgoing personality, and great singing voice, he will never be forgotten.
His adventurous side was never-ending. He would want to go on bike rides, jump on trampolines, and dive in the swimming pool by leaping over the side.
There were touching memories from the beginning. In middle school, he would sit behind me in study hall, repeatedly poking me in the back. He was the funniest friend I could ever have; his jokes were endless.
I will always remember the 10 days he spent with me at Cape Cod on our summer vacation, where my family goes every year. We would play soccer in the sand dunes in the evening. He was by far the star of our family soccer games. He was the fastest, strongest, most skilled (and, by the end of the game, sweatiest) kid. All my cousins wanting him in their team. Afterwards he would sprint and leap over the sand dunes and jump into the ocean to cool down. At times he would pick me up and throw me in the ocean, even when I was fully dressed. Thank you for that, Shayne! We would watch the sunset over the beautiful lights of Provincetown. He was a creative and funny guy for sure, and his love for playing cards lives on.
He taught me so many valuable life lessons, like to never drink coffee because it makes your teeth yellow. His teeth were flawless, and he would always say to me, “Emily Stockwell, did you brush your teeth? Don't you want teeth like mine? They are so white and perfect. So much better than yours. You drink too much coffee.”
He was proud not only of his teeth, but also his muscles. Yes, Shayne Michael Baker loved to “get pumped” and work out. It helped him feel good and strong. He knew he was the strongest guy in the school, and many others knew it as well.
He was a big guy with an even bigger heart. Shayne taught me to always have Burt's Bees lip balm on hand - pomegranate, because, as he would say, “it was the dankest kind.”
He taught me to never lie, to never cheat, and to try my very hardest in school because you only get one life, one chance, and one mistake.
Shayne was the most polite guy I had ever met. It was nearly impossible for anyone to dislike him. The smile he gave to everyone was constantly stunning; he would warm hearts by just one glance. He tried pleasing so many people all the time. He was so down to earth.
One thing I remember him saying, which touches my heart now more than ever, is: “Emily, it breaks my heart to know that the only way I can travel the world is to be so successful and go to college and make lots of money. The only way I can live and be happy is if I can do all those things, or if I can grow old with you.”
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Nobody ever knew how much love that beautiful boy gave. He distributed so much love to his peers, but as he did so, people forgot to show him how much they cared back. If I can hope for one thing, that would be for him to know how much we all love him.
Shayne, in my eyes, wasn't a cocky jock, a soccer player, a muscle builder, or a violent person.
Although he did love soccer, the weight room, and working out, he was more of an artist, a musician, a heart warmer, a dedicated learner and - above all else - a beautiful, sensitive, strong-hearted man. One who was fearless of the difficult situations to come but fearful of what this precious world will become.
You will always be remembered. You were my best friend and still are. I love you, Shayne Michael Baker. I wish you were here.