Nathan Lee Valentine, age 24, of Wayland, died unexpectedly at home Monday Jan. 24.

Nate enjoyed spending time in conversation with those he loved. He also loved almost anyone he met and had a way of carrying on a conversation with a stranger like he knew them for a lifetime, a gift he was given by his grandpa Doug. He had such a willingness to help anyone with anything. He was a fun loving young man who loved being outside and going on long walks with his mom’s dog Fiona.
A unique and special guy, he adored his family, especially his aunt Michele and uncle Mark because they had a hand in raising him and gave him extra love and care throughout his life. He especially loved his aunt Michele so much because they were so alike and had the same loving heart.
He was so blessed to meet his friend, Chris Nevius, with whom he shared a special friendship filled with love, laughter and shenanigans. In the last chapter of his life Nate found an inner peace that he was searching for — a calmness in the storm that surrounded him most of his life.

He is survived by his mother and best friend, Joy Lee Valentine; brother Aaron Douglas and Shannen Leong: “nephewian” Garrett Douglas Leong; sister Carley Schafer; loving aunts and uncles Michele and Mark Blackford, Jim and Kim Blackford, Sue and Ken Babb (Heather, Jacob), Dawn Vogt, Cheryl Marshall; cousins Ashley and Jared Wenzel (Gage, Maddox, Jack), Meghan Blackford, Andrew and Scarlett Blackford (Lorenzo), Kayla Michele Blackford (Shay), Logan Blackford, Breana Blackford (Keigan); and many other extended family in Maine and Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Douglas and Joanne (Sabatis) Valentine; paternal grandmother Velia Rita Alonzo; cousin Corey Vogt; and by many aunts, uncles and cousins,

A time to greet the family and to share memories will be4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids. Friends and family are also encouraged to share memories and photos at Zaagman.com.

Memorial contributions in Nathan’s memory may be made to: Be Nice Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.