Among the “When Calls the Heart” cast and crew who are mourning the sudden passing of Nathaniel “Nate” Pelletier, longtime Hallmark star Martin Cummins shared an emotional tribute on May 3, 2025.
Pelletier was a beloved member of the show’s transportation department. He cared for and drove the set’s old-fashioned wagons and vehicles, and appeared on multiple episodes of the show as a taxi driver, per IMDb. Beloved by the cast and crew, Pelletier died alone at his home on April 11, according to his obituary. He was 53.
‘When Calls The Heart’ Star Martin Cummins Says It Was an ‘Honor’ to Call Nathaniel Pelletier His Friend
Cummins has played Henry Gowen since WCTH’s first season in 2014, per IMDb, and had a close friendship with Pelletier and his supervisor, transportation captain Gordon “Gord” Alyward. In his Instagram tribute, Cummins wrote how he continues to benefit from their friendship and handiwork, even with Pelletier gone.
“I just came back from a ride on the bike Gord and Nate put together for the girls and I,” he wrote. “I’m taking shade in Mexico under the awning Nate helped me figure out in the woods near the old cabin. I have spent more hours at work sitting in the blue room, in silence or in conversation with Gord and Nate than I have standing on tape with the camera rolling. 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 (expletive).”
“Life is constantly changing,” Cummins continued. “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.”
Many of Cummins’ co-stars liked his post, including Kevin McGarry, Kayla Wallace, Loretta Walsh, Andrea Brooks, Jaeda Lily Miller, and Amanda Wong.
WCTH star Pascale Hutton replied by writing, “💔 he will be so missed.”
Denise Jaden, a background actress on the series, wrote, “Nate and I were talking not too long ago about how much he appreciated yours and Gord”s friendship as well, Martin. It goes both ways. Sending my condolences. Nate will be greatly missed.”
‘When Calls The Heart’ Production Manager Says Nathaniel Pelletier Was a ‘Unicorn’
WCTH production manager Mike Magnusson shared the first online tribute to Pelletier following his May 2 memorial service.
“We lost a member of our WCTH family, Nate Pelletier,” he wrote. “Nate was all heart, a true ‘Unicorn,’ smashing every 14 hour day with a wide smile & endless cheer for all. He ‘saw’ people, and was always there with a kind word. He leaves a void of spirit we will not be able to replace. Nate you were one of a kind, and we loved you. You will be sorely missed my friend.”
Hallmark’s Instagram account for WCTH also posted a tribute later in the day, sharing Magnusson’s words and noting how much Pelletier loved connecting with fans who visited the Hope Valley set in Langley, British Columbia, especially at the annual Hearties Family Reunion event for fans.
The post said, “We know many #Hearties also had the privilege of meeting Nate at the Hearties Family Reunion. He loved interacting with the fans and he brought so much joy to the day.”
WCTH was not filming at the time of Pelletier’s death. The cast is expected to return later this summer to begin filming season 13.
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Hallmark Star Martin Cummins Says Hope Valley ‘Will Not Be the Same’ in Emotional Tribute to Nathaniel Pelletier