Nathan Lee Valentine, age 24, of Wayland, MI passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday January 24, 2022. 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 both near and far. He is survived by his loving mother and best friend, Joy Lee Valentine; loving brother Aaron Douglas and Shannen Leong: precious "nephewian" Garrett Douglas Leong, Andrew Padrone; 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. 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. He was a unique and special guy if you were able to get into his heart and truly see him. He adored his family, especially his aunt Michele and uncle Mark . He always admired and respected them 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 lots of 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. In his final moments peace and quiet found Nathan, something I know he now cherishes. A time to greet the family and to share memories will be held 4-6 pm on Saturday, January 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.