In Memoriam: Kiara Baker, daughter of Slate Baker

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of the daughter of Slate Baker, our good friend, longtime CRA member and colleague in the roofing industry.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Slate, his family and friends.

Kiara Baker (19) left this world for a heavenly one on January 31, 2024, after waging a long and courageous battle with mental illness. It was a battle that most didn’t know she was fighting. The family would like to thank the Amen Clinic, along with all the other professionals, who helped her stay undefeated in that battle for as long as she did.

Kiara was born on October 23, 2004 in Sandy, Utah, to Slate Baker and Melissa Goodman Baker. She was the last of four children, and anyone who knew Kiara knew she liked to do things in style.

Kiara was a strong and talented girl who loved playing with her siblings and being her daddy's buddy. She developed a close relationship with her mother and excelled in various aspects of life, including fashion shows, skits and singing. As she moved into middle school, she began performing in plays and teaching herself to play the ukulele. She also wrote lyrics and put them to song, which helped her cope with her struggles as an adolescent girl. Her talent for storytelling and her ability to put her heart into her songs made her songs relatable to those listening.

As Kiara moved into high school, she continued to branch out and try new things, like the Broomfield High School volleyball team and a new passion for hairstyling. She had a gift for cutting, coloring and styling hair, as well as making conversation and friends in the process. Despite her lack of experience, her clients would praise her for giving them the best haircuts they'd ever had. Writing also became a bright area for Kiara, and her English teacher encouraged her to pursue it.

The biggest gift that Kiara possessed was compassion and insight into others’ needs. She was known for her ability to connect quickly and build bonds of friendship. Little children in particular were drawn to her in an uncommon way. She enjoyed hiking in Colorado, Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park. Kiara was physically fit and enjoyed thrift shopping. Her appearance was important to her, and she was well-presented in public. She was kind, hardworking, passionate, independent and strong. Her light shone so very brightly, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Please keep Slate, his wife Melissa and their children, family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.

May Kiara rest in peace.

Celebration of life

A Celebration of life was held on Friday, February 9, at 1:30 p.m.

Olinger Funeral Home

10201 Grant St

Thornton, CO 80229

Donations

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (BBR Foundation), which focuses on researching mental disorders with the goal of increasing understanding and treatment options. 100% of the donation goes to actual research.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

747 Third Avenue, 33rd Floor

New York, NY 10017

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Donate online here.

Obituary

Read full obituary here.