Search by Name

Search by Name

NATHANIEL LANE Obituary


Nathaniel Philip Lane  
A resident of Arlington, Virginia, passed away on November 2, 2019 in Washington, DC, at the age of 48, as the result of an auto accident. Nathan became a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department in 2000. He served the United States with distinction in multiple countries including Mexico, Russia, Belarus, Vietnam, and most recently in Kenya. Nathan was beloved by colleagues for his kindness, generosity, and infectious laughter.  Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Nathan grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BA in Political Science, and earned a MA in Political Science from the University of Illinois. Nathan is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sara Michael, and their son, Peter; his mother, Janie Lane; father, Leslie Lane; stepmother, Judith Lane; and his brother, Zachary Lane. Nathan was a lifelong baseball enthusiast, and steadfastly gave his allegiance to the Washington Nationals. A fluent reader of Russian, he loved the novels of Boris Akunin. Nathan enjoyed running and chess, and he especially relished time playing pickup sports with his son. A memorial service in Nathan's honor will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska on Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m. A gathering in Washington, DC will be planned for later this month. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting a cause Nathan was passionate about: a scholarship for Lincoln Northeast High School students to experience life abroad. Donations may be made to CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange with a note indicating it is in memory of Nathan Lane at www.ciee.org/donate-high-school [ciee.org]or mailed to CIEE, 300 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for NATHANIEL LANE

Not sure what to say?





Peggy Walker

December 9, 2019

It's so hard to think of Nathan as being gone, because he was always just a phone call, email, or coffee away, no matter how long it had been. As others have said, he was so good about keeping in touch. I always felt that Nathan was an old soul, someone who always knew what to say when giving advice or wise counsel. Our world is less with his absence. Much love to Sara, Peter, and the rest of his family.

November 26, 2019

I had the honor to work with Nathan recently on our bilateral relations with Poland. He was a remarkable person and he represented the best of the Foreign Service. My deepest condolences to the Lane family.

Geoff Martineau

November 21, 2019

Sara -- I am so sorry to hear of your -- and our -- loss. Nathan was a great officer and an amazing man. He is already missed by all who knew him.

Ron Packowitz

November 21, 2019

I'm generally terrible about staying close to friends across long distances, but Nathan never let me stray too far, always reaching out with a kind word by letter, phone, and in person whenever we were near each other. I'm crushed to have lost him, and wish peace and send love to Sara, Peter, and all of Nathans's family.

Jenifer Joyce

November 21, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Nathan's passing. I remember him as an intelligent and caring person from the time we were in A-100-entering Foreign Service class together. My condolences to his wife, Sara, his son, Peter and his entire family. Truly a loss.

Martha Amlin

November 20, 2019

I'm so sorry to learn of Nathan's passing and send my deepest condolences. Nathan was a kind and caring man and the world was a better place with him in it. Sara and Peter, may you find comfort in the memories of the times you shared with him.

alexandra aitken

November 20, 2019

Sara and Peter, I am so sorry to hear this. I don't know what to say. our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Susan Sandler

November 15, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to you all for this terrible loss. Nathan was a great colleague and friend and he will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.

November 13, 2019

I feel so sad for Nathan and for all he loved, as your time together has been suddenly cut short.
Kyle and I worked together with Nathan in Moscow, Nathan and I in the Consular section. Always so kind, so efficient, so professional, Nathan made us better people for having known him.
I have heard it said that some people accomplish their mission in life in a much shorter time than others - he certainly left a great impact on all that knew him. We will miss him a lot, and wish you strength and courage. Nena and Kyle Scott

Andre Goodfriend

November 9, 2019

When we first met in Moscow over 20 years ago, Nathan brought a warmth and genuineness that was fresh air in a tempestuous time. As our paths continued to occasionally cross between postings, as we were learning languages to go one place or another, Nathan always retained that welcome fresh warmth. We spoke just a couple months ago after his recent promotion, and his considerate nature still shone through. May his memory be a blessing.

Sarah Chandler

November 9, 2019

A kind and generous man, his passing is a tragedy. I wish his family strength, and to find comfort and joy in their memories. I'm often replaying my first memory of seeing Nathan with Peter, as they were both delighted to be together.

Michael Keays

November 7, 2019

I remember Nathan from our days together in Moscow, when he worked at the embassy as a fellow. He wanted to get into the Foreign Service and achieved his dream. I will miss him, and will say a prayer for all of his family members and friends who will miss him. He was a kind, decent man and a real professional.

David Moore

November 5, 2019

Zack, may his memory be always a blessing in your life and in the lives of all who love him still.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in NATHANIEL LANE's name

Memorial Events
for NATHANIEL LANE

Nov

10

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

Lincoln, NE

How to support NATHANIEL's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor NATHANIEL LANE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more