Nathaniel “Nate” Pelletier, an actor and crew member who appeared in several episodes of the Hallmark drama When Calls the Heart and also served on the series’ transportation team, died April 11 at 53.
According to a death notice published by his loved ones, Pelletier “passed away suddenly” while alone at home in Langley, British Columbia.
“He was only with us 53 short years but he touched many lives with his generosity and extraordinary work ethic,” the notice said. “He was always there to lend a helping hand when needed and most times, before it was asked of him. He was charismatic and loved to meet new people, greeting them with his big smile and a warm hearty hand shake.”
Pelletier’s “greatest love was his daughter Myhrsades (Murray) Jones of whom he was so proud,” and his “second greatest love was his work and work-family,” in particular transportation captain Gordon “Gord” Alyward.
Born Oct. 15, 1971, in Toronto, Pelletier appeared in several episodes of seasons 9, 10, and 11 of When Calls the Heart, in an uncredited role as a taxi driver. He also worked in a crew capacity as part of the transportation department within the same frame of time, from 2022 to 2024.
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The official Instagram account for the drama series based on Janette Oke’s book of the same name shared a tribute to Pelletier on May 3. “The When Calls the Heart family is mourning the loss of a beloved family member,” the post said, adding, “We’re sending love to all who knew and loved him. He will be missed greatly.”
Production manager Mike Magnusson added that Pelletier “leaves a void of spirit we will not be able to replace.”
Martin Cummins/Instagram
Nathaniel Pelletier on the set of ‘When Calls the Heart’
Series star Martin Cummins, who has portrayed businessman Henry Gowen since the 2014 premiere of When Calls the Heart, shared his own emotional remembrance of Pelletier on Instagram. Alongside several photos of Pelletier, Cummins wrote, “I just came back from a ride on the bike Gord and Nate put together for the girls and [I’m] taking shade in Mexico under the awning Nate helped me figure out in the woods near the old cabin.”
He added, “Gord has always felt like a father figure to me, and Nate and I were his boys running around the town, hanging out in the woods and talking s—. Life is constantly changing. Things are never the same. The Valley will not be the same without Nathaniel Pelletier. He was a gentle soul and it was my honor to call him friend.”
Other members of the When Calls the Heart cast shared their love for Pelletier in the comments of Cummins’ post, with Pascale Hutton writing, “He will be so missed,” and Andrea Brooks leaving a broken-heart emoji.
Pelletier is survived by his daughter, mother, father, two brothers, two stepbrothers, stepsister, nephew, and godmother. In lieu of flowers, fans and loved ones are asked to donate to Joshua House, a Christian supportive home in British Columbia for men recovering from substance abuse and addiction.
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