Nick Walton class of 1991, 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, Tim Sheldon, Bob Mitchell and Sam Fortino, 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.
Posted online on October 13, 2022 in Lansing State Journal
Links to race videos of Nick:
- December 6, 2011, AuSable River Canoe Marathon on YouTube: 2011 Dash For Cash Finals Photo Finish
- August 17, 2012, Ryan M on YouTube: 2012 Dash for Cash - Walton/Rudnitsky vs Kent/Sheldon
- August 9, 2013, Sarah Lessard on YouTube: AuSable River Canoe Marathon 2013- The sprints
- July 30, 2015, AuSable River Canoe Marathon on YouTube: 4th Place Finishers of the 2015 AuSable River Canoe Marathon
- November 26, 2016, Canoe Racer on YouTube: Nick Walton and Tad Hill - 2016 AuSable Marathon Sprint Finish
- July 26, 2017, Canoe Racer on YouTube: Nick Walton / Matt Meersman Sprint - 2017 AuSable Canoe Marathon
- July 26, 2017, Canoe Racer on YouTube: 2017 AuSable Canoe Marathon Finish - Nick Walton - Matt Meersman - 5th Place
- May 25, 2019, Wade Binion on YouTube: Texas River Marathon 2019
- March 13, 2023, Nathan's Outdoor Adventures on YouTube: Marathon Sprint 2022
- June 24, 2023, Nathan's Outdoor Adventures on YouTube: Ausable Canoe Marathon 2022- Interview #2
The following links refer to the tragic accident:
- October 8, 2022, UpNorthLive.com: Coast Guard rescues kayaker near Frankfort
- October 8, 2022, Australian Canoe Racing on Facebook
- October 10, 2022, WLNS-TV6: Friends, family remember canoe racer who died in Michigan race
- October 10, 2022, Michigan News Source: Kayaker Nick Walton Dies During Weekend Race in Benzie County
- October 10, 2022, MLive: Man dies in rough Lake Michigan waters during kayak race Up North
- October 10, 2022, WOOD-TV Grand Rapids, MI: Paddler dies during canoe race on Lake Michigan
- October 11, 2022, Boundless Hunting on Facebook
- October 15, 2022, Michigan Canoe Racing Association: Celebration of Nick Walton’s life
- November 7, 2022, Nick Murray on YouTube: PPP Episode 40: Tragedy on Lake Michigan
- July 18, 2023, AuSablle River Canoe Marathon on Facebook
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