November 30, 2005

Nate and I met in the town of Same, East Timor, where we were observers with the International Federation for East Timor for the historic 1999 referendum on independence from Indonesia.

I joined the Same observer team a few weeks before the vote, and while I can't claim that I became a close friend of Nate's, I can say that we went through as intense and incredible a time in Same and then in Dili as I have ever experienced: when the tension and fear during the run-up to the vote was transmuted to euphoria at the massive 99 percent turnout and the overwhelming result, and then gave way to fear again and anguish at the awful violence and destruction that followed. His presence was a comfort to me both when I'd first arrived, and then later when rumours and threats of violence came thick and fast and we were all scared to stay and yet scared to leave.

So while I didn't get to know Nate very well, I did find out that he was a good man, deeply devoted to East Timor, the wider political cause, but also to the individual East Timorese people that we all came to know and to admire. I believe that through his actions then and especially his long dedication before, he made an important contribution to the independence of East Timor and the East Timorese people.

I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of his death. I send my sympathies to Nate's family and loved ones.
Ramie Blatt

August 13, 2005

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear this bitter news.

I will always remember Nate for his unique combination of tireless energy for activism, ever-sunny disposition, and gentleness.

My sympathy to all his friends and family.

Robert Naiman
Robert Naiman (Urbana, IL )
August 5, 2005

Nate,

The last time I saw you was at a Fall show at the Black Cat. We each had no idea the other was a fan of the Fall, so it was great running into you.

You were always a committed activist, which is why almost every other time we talked you were on the way into or out of the ETAN office, or it was in the middle of a march somewhere. Your concern for humanity was always evident - you always asked me about what was happening in Burma.

You left us much too soon, but you still accomplished a great deal while you were here. You're an inspiration for anyone engaged in human rights work, and you will be greatly missed.
Dan Beeton (Washington, DC )
July 21, 2005
You will always be in our hearts and missed dearly by us all. Even though i only knew Nathan for a short while, it was the greatest honor of all knowing him and being his friend.
Aydin "Chiya" and Suheyla Ayhan (Springfield, VA )
chiya_ayhan@hotmail.com
July 20, 2005
Nate's death was one of the most bewildering, dismaying things ever, particularly considering how conscientiously he lived and how loving a life he and Daphne had together. I hope he lives on as a powerful example of how to embrace opportunities and others.
Holden Brooks (Washington, DC )