Deon's Dream for his Mother
Donation protected
Dear Orlando Paintball players and surrounding community,
It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, we are informing you that one of our dearest employees, Deon Baker has passed away.
On May 20th, his birthday, while driving on the freeway at approximately 3:00 am, one of Deon’s front tires blew out. He lost control of the vehicle causing him to hit a rail and his car flipped 5 times. This resulted in a severe head concussion. He was pronounced brain dead on May 30th.
This exceptional young man's commitment to his work, his community and his family has touched us all profoundly. In honor of his hard work and wish to do right by his mother, Orlando Paintball is hosting a, "Deon’s Dream for his Mother", Campaign from today, Friday June 3rd to Thursday June 9th, 2016.
We are asking you to donate anything you wish towards this campaign. All proceeds of this campaign will go directly to his mother, Demetres Baker, for her care and the expenses she will face during this time of profound grief and loss.
At Orlando Paintball, we'll be doing our part by taking 10% of all of our sales during this time and adding it to your donations. In addition, anyone coming to the facility can make a donation while you're there. All donations will be well documented and 100% of every dollar will go to his mother. Deon, if you’re up there and watching, I hope you’re looking down with that reassuring smile.
For anyone interested in attending his wake and funeral, it will be held next Friday June 10th and 11th at the Marvin Zanders Funeral Home in Apopka, Florida.
THE DEON WE KNEW...
Everyone at Orlando Paintball loved Deon. He was family here and he was a very loving person.
As his employer, I’ve had the privilege of working with him and talking to him on a regular basis. He had a quiet, laid back nature but you knew how smart he was because he always had intelligent comments and great feedback.
I was joking around one day and said, “I know you are in the background, but you are probably the most intelligent guy here”. I’ll never forget the subtle smile of reassurance that came across his face. I believe he knew I saw HIM through his quiet demeanor. No further words were needed. No agreements were made. He became my go to guy…my point man. A person I knew I could call and get honest updates, thoughts and perceptions on what was happening at my business in my absence. His desire to grow and learn was obvious as he quickly worked his way up from an entry level, Host position to Staff Lead. Both myself and the rest of the management team, always had peace of mind when Deon was managing a shift. He was a loyal, honest and responsible young man with great integrity. Speaking to his family over the past few days, it brought me great joy to learn that he really loved coming into work.
While we have always been able to speak to his many accolades as an employee and friend, it’s only recently, that we came to learn of his greatness in his personal life. Deon was a beautiful human being and son. His love and commitment to his family, namely his mother is uncommon in today’s world. He worked hard with tremendous self-discipline and a deep sense of responsibility, working tirelessly to financially be the sole provider for the physical care she required after she suffered a heart attack.
Deon, we will all miss your amazing energy and spirit. Thank you for all that you have done for us. We'll do our best to do right by you! Rest in peace Deon!
With love,
Spiros Kodounis and Kalista Zackhariyas of Orlando Paintball
The management at Orlando Paintball, Thomas Moran, Geeta Chowbay, Nick Torres, Shawna, Keith and the entire staff.
Your community members that honour your life and dream.
It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, we are informing you that one of our dearest employees, Deon Baker has passed away.
On May 20th, his birthday, while driving on the freeway at approximately 3:00 am, one of Deon’s front tires blew out. He lost control of the vehicle causing him to hit a rail and his car flipped 5 times. This resulted in a severe head concussion. He was pronounced brain dead on May 30th.
This exceptional young man's commitment to his work, his community and his family has touched us all profoundly. In honor of his hard work and wish to do right by his mother, Orlando Paintball is hosting a, "Deon’s Dream for his Mother", Campaign from today, Friday June 3rd to Thursday June 9th, 2016.
We are asking you to donate anything you wish towards this campaign. All proceeds of this campaign will go directly to his mother, Demetres Baker, for her care and the expenses she will face during this time of profound grief and loss.
At Orlando Paintball, we'll be doing our part by taking 10% of all of our sales during this time and adding it to your donations. In addition, anyone coming to the facility can make a donation while you're there. All donations will be well documented and 100% of every dollar will go to his mother. Deon, if you’re up there and watching, I hope you’re looking down with that reassuring smile.
For anyone interested in attending his wake and funeral, it will be held next Friday June 10th and 11th at the Marvin Zanders Funeral Home in Apopka, Florida.
THE DEON WE KNEW...
Everyone at Orlando Paintball loved Deon. He was family here and he was a very loving person.
As his employer, I’ve had the privilege of working with him and talking to him on a regular basis. He had a quiet, laid back nature but you knew how smart he was because he always had intelligent comments and great feedback.
I was joking around one day and said, “I know you are in the background, but you are probably the most intelligent guy here”. I’ll never forget the subtle smile of reassurance that came across his face. I believe he knew I saw HIM through his quiet demeanor. No further words were needed. No agreements were made. He became my go to guy…my point man. A person I knew I could call and get honest updates, thoughts and perceptions on what was happening at my business in my absence. His desire to grow and learn was obvious as he quickly worked his way up from an entry level, Host position to Staff Lead. Both myself and the rest of the management team, always had peace of mind when Deon was managing a shift. He was a loyal, honest and responsible young man with great integrity. Speaking to his family over the past few days, it brought me great joy to learn that he really loved coming into work.
While we have always been able to speak to his many accolades as an employee and friend, it’s only recently, that we came to learn of his greatness in his personal life. Deon was a beautiful human being and son. His love and commitment to his family, namely his mother is uncommon in today’s world. He worked hard with tremendous self-discipline and a deep sense of responsibility, working tirelessly to financially be the sole provider for the physical care she required after she suffered a heart attack.
Deon, we will all miss your amazing energy and spirit. Thank you for all that you have done for us. We'll do our best to do right by you! Rest in peace Deon!
With love,
Spiros Kodounis and Kalista Zackhariyas of Orlando Paintball
The management at Orlando Paintball, Thomas Moran, Geeta Chowbay, Nick Torres, Shawna, Keith and the entire staff.
Your community members that honour your life and dream.
Organiser and beneficiary
Spiros Kodounis
Organiser
Orlando, FL
Demetres Baker
Beneficiary
Inspired to help? Start a fundraiser for someone you know
