Nathaniel Ian Walker

Walker, Nathaniel Ian,

27, of Louisville

The day before his 28th birthday, Nathaniel Ian Walker succumbed to the anguish perpetuated by addiction, mental illness and the recent loss of his mother and sister.

Nathan/Nate was born in Salinas, CA and lived in the SF Bay Area for three years prior to the family moving to Louisville. Nate was an energetic and engaging child who loved animals, sports and music. He attended Norton Elementary, Kammerer Middle and Ballard High School. Nate played all sports, but his favorite was soccer. He was usually the smallest player on the field, but his speed, agility and tenacity made him an outstanding player. Nate began at the Y and then played with Mockingbird, United, Oldham Thoroughbreds and with the Tom Sawyer Park program. His teams won several championships and many of his best friendships were forged with fellow teammates. Nate played soccer at Kammerer Middle and Ballard High School as well.

He continued his education at JCTC and took several online courses in herpetology from ASU. Nate's passion for animals became his vocation as he worked at Pet's Palace and specialized in reptiles and lizards. He loved his work there and was always thankful for the opportunity, support and friendship afforded to him by Jay, Tony and other colleagues. Nate was a successful breeder of pythons, tarantulas and lizards and had his own online retail business. At the peak of his business, Nate had over 80 pythons, 1000 tarantulas and 20 monitor lizards in his care.

Nate was proud of his service as a volunteer with the Worthington Fire Department; he always hoped to return to the department. He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing; especially the family fishing trips to Canada. Nate was a gifted guitarist, but never played after the death of his best friend and fellow guitarist, Taylor Mouser. Nate was also an artist and participated in the city's summer apprenticeship program. Nate was very talented at designing mosaics from cut glass and in refurbishing old furniture and mirrors. He enjoyed speed in all aspects of his life and his 1990 Mustang 5.O was his most valued possession. Nate had many friends who were constant visitors to his home and he often provided food and lodging to those in need.

Nathaniel was preceded in death by his mother, Dr. Deborah Walker who passed in February and by his sister, Savannah Jeanne Walker who was murdered in March. He is survived by his father, Dean, his paternal grandparents, Anna Walker and Leroy Walker (Elaine), his aunts and uncles, Lori Amedore (Bruno), Norman Walker (Lynn), Keith Walker (Anne) and Leanna Mayberry (Mark). He had a great and talented group of loving cousins and so, so many fantastic friends. An outdoor memorial service is being planned for Tuesday evening and the details will be published via social media. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Savannah Walker Scholarship at the University of Louisville, a project which Nate championed and with which he was deeply involved.