Nathan Christopher Daum passed away on November 3, 2024, in Poway, California. He is preceded in death by his father, Gaelen, and is survived by his mother, Mea, and sister, Arwen Emily Daum.

Nathan was born on May 23, 1981, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and moved to Poway, California, with his family before his first birthday. The family home and the Poway community became the heart of Nathan's life. He attended Poway High School, studied at Palomar College, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from California State University, Northridge. His passion for music later led him to Boulder, Colorado, where he pursued further music studies and enjoyed the mountains.

Nathan was a modern-day Renaissance man. High school and college years saw him travelling widely and working at Party Pals events, working as a bouncer, and carrying out Resident Advisor duties at CSUN. After graduation he transitioned into leadership roles with Party Pals and Human Resources work with Genesis Digital and Greenlake Wellness. A self-taught coder and skilled photographer, Nathan also started his own photography business, adding another layer to his multifaceted work life.

From an early age, Nathan was active and loved the outdoors. Hiking, camping, martial arts, and wrestling were all part of his life. He was a talented singer, played guitar, and performed with the La Jolla Symphony Chorus, sharing his love for music with those around him. The title track of his album "The Barefoot Life," says "my feet might get dirty but that's what sets me free. It's a barefoot life for me."

Anyone who saw Nathan with a cat knew his love for all felines and his tenderness.  However, it was the ocean that captured Nathan's spirit. He would have gladly traded his lungs for gills to spend his days swimming and surfing as a sea creature. The ocean was a grounding force for him, whether he was surfing off the shores of Southern California, especially Ocean Beach, rolling out for an early swim in Kauai, or wading into Seattle's chilly waters. Living near the sea was essential to him, and he made it a priority throughout his life.

Above all, Nathan loved people. Known by many as a "gentle giant;" kindness, generosity,  empathy, and an absence of shoes were his defining characteristics. He never met a stranger and deeply cherished his family and friends.  His circle is wide and as diverse as Nathan's travels and interests. He will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 10, at Hope United Methodist Church, 16550 Bernardo Heights Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92128.  More information is available on CaringBridge .