Michael Thomas Baer

Right after he was baptized, we got to the top of the steps of the faunt out of sight of others and instinctively hugged each other, then we realized we were teenage guys, and abruptly stopped the hug.

Mike and I met 11th grade at Mishawaka High School in Indiana. We had a math class and a computer class together. We were the smart guys in our math class and our teacher Louie Schoer set up a computer class and transferred about 8 people into that class. One day at the end of class, Louie Schoer talked to me at the door and said, so you're a Mormon? I answered 'Yes', then he asked me if I believe "all that stuff". I answered 'Yes'. He said "even the Book of Mormon"? I answered 'Yes'. Mike and I were friendly and joking a little in class, but he was a witness to that questioning by our teacher. From that point on, Mike sought me out, and we changed from acquaintances to friends. Mike was taught the missionary lessons in our home, and our forward thinking bishop had me baptize and ordain Mike. We lost contact with each other within a few years, but were able to reconnect shortly after they moved from Oregon to Alpine Utah. Mike and I are eternal buddies.

My favorite memory of Mike is when he extended a calling to me in the kitchen of the church. I expressed that I was feeling tired and frustrated as a young mom to 5 kids and told him my spiritual reservoir was low. He just looked at me and said, "well what are you doing to fill your reservoir?" It was an aha moment that I needed to stop depending on others to fill my reservoir and instead work on filling it myself. I worked on and strengthened my relationship with my Savior because he knew the right question to ask. I loved how he loved his wife and his kids.

Michael "T" Baer was my favorite companion on my Mission. He was a great motivator and teacher. He taught me many things. We also ended up rooming together at BYU and spending a lot of time together. He was so much fun to be with and was my best man at my wedding! I loved him so much!

Him stopping along the road out of the blue to help unpack our moving truck. No one asked. He just saw and need and jumped right in. Such an example to me.