Nathan Burns, 21

Nathan Burns, 21, of Spokane, Washington, died November 7, 2019, as a result of an accidental drug overdose. There will be no funeral services at this time.

It is heart-breaking that Nathan died such a tragic death. He was a compassionate, creative and intelligent young man who endured many challenging circumstances in his short life. We, his family, regret that Nathan will not have the opportunity to watch his daughter, Maitreya, grow up nor will he be able to realize his own potential as a man. Nathan adored his family and was very close to his sister, Gabriel. He enjoyed visiting his grandparents, Liz and Scott Ray on Marrowstone Island in Puget Sound, Washington.

Nathan had several good friends in both Spokane and Sandpoint, Idaho, and was well liked by people of different ages and backgrounds. Nathan loved music and in particular was passionate about rap music. At the time of his death, he was writing lyrics and singing songs that he had written. One of his favorite things to do with friends was to go to concerts, listen to music and to create music.

Nathan was born in and lived the majority of his life in Sandpoint. At age 15, he moved to Spokane, where he graduated from On Track Academy High School. Nathan took several classes at Spokane Community College while working full-time in the restaurant business. Nathan was a responsible and hardworking employee.

When Nathan was a junior in high school, he met Morgan Mielke of Spokane. Nathan and Morgan were together for five years and in February 2019, Morgan gave birth to their daughter, Maitreya. He loved his daughter with all his heart.

Nathan could wear the most amazing clothes which would make most others look bizarre. One time when he visited Gabriel and his mom in Sandpoint, he wore a shirt with brightly colored balloons and black and white pants with geometric designs. Nathan’s girlfriend, Morgan, said that when it came to creative dressing, she did not try to compete with Nathan. If Nathan were to give us advice at this challenging time he would want us to wear expressive clothes, listen to excellent music and to love one another.

Nathan is survived by his parents, Gina Graham and Jeff Burns; and his sisters, Kathryn Burns, Erin Burns and Gabriel Burns; as well as his grandparents, Liz and Scott Ray. Nathan also is survived by his daughter, Maitreya Mielke.