THE FOLLOWING SSU STUDENT REFLECTIONS ABOUT NATHAN ("NATO") ALBERTS WERE READ AT HIS MEMORIAL SERVICE, HELD ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 AT THE ST. CROIX VINEYARD CENTRE:
"I have been tumbling and turning through my memory of Asia, trying to find the right incidents to describe the reason why I hold Nato in such high esteem. But there are too many things to pick but one. Throughout our whole journey and the period of our return, he constantly offered his kindness, his wisdom, his generosity, his courage, his time, and his fairness to all of us freely. I believe a day that none of us will ever forget was that day on the beach when four people from our group nearly drowned. On that day, Nato carried himself with such strength of character driven by his concern for others, he put himself in danger to help those in danger. That event will stand in my memory as one of most heroic things I have ever seen. At times on the journey, there were moments of tension between students and teachers, and it seemed that Nato could always understand both sides, and did his best to find the solution that would be the best for all concerned. Always his door was open and always he was ready to listen and to help in what every way he could. I am very grateful to Nato. In my life I have known many people, but very few who, from the very first, greeted and accepted me with such unconditional kindness. Nathan had the gift of loving all people. You could tell that as he comforted and cared for those who were lonely, scared or hurting that he had taken their burden upon himself. He loved them without conditions. Thank you, Nathan, from my deepest heart and the hearts of those others who lives were frantically changed by you. Thank you, for being an example and a hero. You are missed."
"Nato, there are very few people I know who I admire and respect as much as you. I had only truly gotten to know you within the last year and a half, but from out first conversation I could see how much of a loving and amazing person you are. You accepted me as your friend, talked music and guitar with me, played pool, shared beer, and took care of me when I had (quote-unquote) “heartburn.” Almost a year ago, you once told me in one of our talks at 4 in the morning that, “everyone likes to feel loved.” Nato, you are loved by so many people. I have only great memories of you and I look up to you like an older brother and will try and live my life loving people the way you have."
"I bonded with Nato over music. I didn’t have a good CD player, so he took me under his wing every time we travelled and we listened to music together. I suspect that many people got to know Nato through the time and effort he gave to help others. He was an extremely caring man, but also a fun-loving friend. Whether he was coordinating a synchronized swimming routine for the whole group, playing full contact thumb wrestling or humouring me in a macaroni and cheese test, he was always the bright light in the room that everyone wanted to know better. We all adored Nathan Alberts."
"I loved watching him and hearing him laugh. I admired that he had strength and was filled with kindness, mercy, gentleness and generosity. I appreciated how he honoured everyone… no matter who they were. I am glad that he and Sarah had fallen in love. Watching them care for each other warmed my heart. I am thankful that he was part of my life."
"The first time I met Nato he was helping someone. The last time I saw him he was helping me. It's fitting that these are my bookend memories of Nathan. It's just so him."
"Nato taught me what I want to be when I grow up."
