Nick Walton

Nick Walton, 49 of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Saturday, October 8th in a tragic canoe racing accident. He is survived by his daughter Makenzie, father, Dave Walton (Marsha), brothers, Tony Walton, daughter Eva, Dave Walton (Amy), daughters Emily & Savannah, sister Kathy, sons Jeremy, Randy & Curtis, chosen brothers, Bob Mitchell & Sam Fortino and numerous aunts, uncles & cousins that he was very close to. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jackie. Nick worked as a sprinkler fitter before taking a position at Michigan State University as a Maintenance Mechanic. Recently, Nick was promoted to Utilities and Soil Erosion inspector. Nick bled green and white and was a Sparty through and through. Nick was a canoe & kayak professional who raced in multiple endurance races across the country and internationally. The only thing Nick loved more than paddling was his daughter Makenzie. Nick was a competitor who pushed boundaries beyond normal limits. Nick has participated in 17 straight Ausable Marathon races and finished in the top five multiple times. In the last five years, he has completed and won the Texas Water Safari numerous times. Nick was also an avid hunter and fisherman who has been on many adventures across the globe. Nick was a loyal friend and father who was respected by all of his peers, colleagues and fellow paddlers. Nick had an unmatched passion for life. A celebration of Nick’s life will be held at the Fraternal order of Eagles Club @ 602 Huron St. Grayling MI on Friday, October 28th from 5:00-11:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be made to the MCRA monument fund, 3979 East Beaver Island Rd. Grayling, MI 49738. This is a tribute to those professional members of Michigan Canoe Racing Association who were once active in the promotion and participation of canoe racing in Michigan.