Greg Baca, in loving memory

This campaign is an opportunity to step up and help a family in mourning and in need. During a time like this, the last thing my friend drake and his family should have to worry about is money. This is a call to action for all of you that have been touched by Greg and his family.

Early on Thursday September 22nd, Drake Louks received a visit from the Flagstaff Police Department with a message that on cannot fathom, and can’t possibly prepare for. How does one accept and process such horrible news? Let alone share it with those around them. Closely following his painful realization, Drake made a Facebook post that depicted the horrible event and the officer’s words, “Your dad was involved in a single vehicle accident this morning and passed away.” Drake shared, "I'll never forget those words”. His dad, Albert “Greg” Baca, had been in a horrible accident and passed away on the scene. Drake lost his dad, and Greg’s parents lost their only son.

Drake never calls me on the phone and I hardly ever answer, but when the call came in early that morning, I knew I needed to pick up the phone. When I heard Drakes voice and received the news, I fell to my knees in shock and tears. I simply couldn’t process what had just been shared with me. I felt powerless and I couldn’t begin to comprehend what was going through my dear friend’s mind. Drake and his family have been in my life since before I can remember. When we watch the news and hear of these heartbreaking events and reports, we think, “That could never happen to me.” When it does and the reality sets in, it’s sad how much money factors into these equations. I’m creating this campaign to help offset the costs of what’s to come for a family that has already been through enough. When I heard the news I told Drake that there’s nothing I can say to ease his pain to help him feel better, I would give anything to lift that unbearable weight and pain from his heart. Although my words can neither help nor heal what injustice has been done, I can ask all of you to rally with me. Let’s circle the wagons and gather the funds this family needs to do right by their loved one and move forward. As I watched my phone flash with updates on comment after comment on Drake’s status, I could see the unbelievable amount of love and desire to support from more people than I could count.

Everyone close to Greg is in shock that he was taken from this world so soon. If love could have saved him, he would live forever. Greg always had a smile on his face and deeply loved his family. He was ferociously protective of those he loved, and was very proud of everyone he held dear. As cliché as it is to say, Greg would literally give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. He worked for Coconino County in the Public Works division, as well as multiple entrepreneurial jobs such as owning arcade games, jukeboxes, and selling energy drinks. He was truly an inspiration and a driving force not only in the life of his son, but all those who crossed his path. I’ve shared with Drake how proud I am of him and his partner upon the startup of their new business, and I can see where his entrepreneurial spirit comes from as he emulates the vision and drive of his father.

Drake has said that the amount of kind words, support, and prayers pouring in from both near and far have been incredibly overwhelming (in the best sense of the word). Drake and his entire family are extremely grateful for all of the support.

Many of you have been asking how or what it is you can do to help. In addition to your continued prayers for family and friends of Greg, any monetary support to lessen the financial burden that is stacking up for his family will be more than graciously received. Between the funeral expenses, lodging & travel for his family (most of whom do not live in Flagstaff), and other contributing financial duties, please know that no donation is too small. Every dollar donated is one less out of his family's pocket.

Greg and the entire Louks/Baca family have done so much for Flagstaff as a whole. They’ve been an unwavering source of love and support not only in my life, but their kindness has touched much of the community and they’ve all been the light in the eyes of countless others. Now is our chance to help this family in need and pay it forward. Even if you can’t afford to donate the continued prayers are still appreciated. Even if you do not know the Louks/Baca family or Greg personally, please realize that no one ever expects something like this to ever happen to them or those they hold dear. Whether you’re in a position to make a donation or not, we ask that you do something kind for someone in Greg's memory: do something nice for a stranger, drink a Diet Pepsi, or explore your entrepreneurial side. Respect and celebrate the memory of a man that epitomized all that is good in this world.

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