Nearly everyone that grew up in Lubbock spent dozens of weekends at Skate Ranch. Owner, Kevin Baker, always greeted guests with a smile and a few laughs before handing you a pair of skates so you could go out there and get after it. He sadly passed away on the morning of January 16th at the age of 88. His death was announced on the popular local skating rink's Facebook page, and it's clear by hundreds of comments and shares, that he will be missed forever by the community.

Here are a few of the memories people left in the comments:

"I saw it earlier. Makes me sad. He had just turned 88 - 20 years older than Ann. He was the father of 8 children by birth, adopted 2, and helped untold missionaries all over the globe. I’m sure he had a good influence on lots of skaters. He loved Ann to pieces (who wouldn’t)? Quite a Christian man."

"Rode my bike to this place every Thursday and Friday night across many summers in the 80s (of course, they had a bike rack out front, back when kids used bikes like adults use cars). It was across town from where I grew up and quite the journey (both ways). Once I was there, it didn’t matter what I went through, night after night, to get there. Among the absolute best memories of my childhood. God bless the family that made it a home away from home for me."

"What a wonderful legacy he has left. So many of us will forever have him in our hearts. Kevin gave me my first job back in 1979-1981. Snackbar. My deepest condolences to all his family."

So many people said similar things about the man that taught Lubbock to skate. My family spent a lot of time at Skate Ranch. My little sister even had a job at the snack bar at one point, too. All of the memories I have of Skate Ranch include Kevin's smiling face and a really great time. He will be in our hearts forever.

Thank you, Kevin, for sharing your passion with Lubbock and providing a safe place for kids to hang out. You will be missed by us all.

Details for Kevin's service have not yet been released.

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