PACIFIC BEACH – Patrons of The Silver Fox bar in Pacific Beach are mourning the unexpected loss of bartender Natalie Wharton-Lake, who was known for her big laugh, bigger heart, and the uncanny ability to make everyone feel like an old friend.
Wharton-Lake, who died unexpectedly in October, has been described as a “shining presence” at The Silver Fox, a self-avowed dive bar at 1833 Garnet Ave.
She was a familiar face behind bartops in PB for nearly two decades. During her tenure, Wharton-Lake became known as a cornerstone of the beach community’s tight-knit nightlife scene.
For the past 11 years, Wharton-Lake became far more than just a bartender, said her close friend and employer, Silver Fox owner Julie Kazmi.
“She was our resident bar psychiatrist, always ready with an ear, a story, or a perfectly timed joke,” she said. “Natalie had that big laugh that filled a room and a smile that pulled everyone in. People were just drawn to her. Once you knew her, you knew you were in for a good time.”
Before making The Silver Fox her home, Wharton-Lake poured drinks and joy at several local establishments, including PB Pub.
Steve Pure, another close friend of Wharton-Lake, who owns Riptides in Pacific Beach, noted she “brought laughter, light, and love to everyone around her,” adding she was the kind of person “who made the world a little better just by being in it.
“I first met Nat back around 2007,” Pure said. “She had this glow about her, that kind of energy that made you feel like you’d known her forever, even if you’d just met. Over the years, I’d see her all around PB at The Silver Fox, at PB Pub, always with the same contagious laugh, quick wit, and genuine kindness that made her impossible not to love.”
Pure praised Wharton-Lake, characterizing her as a “connector.” He noted she was “someone who could take a random mix of people and turn it into a family. She made long nights fun, hard days lighter, and had this ability to make any uncomfortable moment feel easy. She was sharp, funny, and had a one-liner ready for every situation.”
Added Pure of Wharton-Lake: “Whether she was behind the bar, helping someone through a tough time, or doing her thing as a massage therapist, she gave people comfort in every way possible. She just had this way of taking care of everyone around her, even when she had her own battles.”
“It’s hard to put into words what Natalie meant to so many of us,” said Julie Kazmi, who described her as a “true local legend” and a “comedian at heart.”
“Natalie drew people in wherever she went,” added Kazmi. “She had a heart of gold, a love for all animals — especially her beloved dogs — and a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life: good music, good company, and a good Jameson.
“She was a friend to many, family to most, and someone who made everyone feel special, often with a nickname uniquely hers. Whether she was dancing to the sounds of the ’80s and ’90s or saying ‘five more minutes’ to keep the night alive, Natalie had a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.”
“It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who gave so much of herself to others,” said Pure. “Nat was thick as thieves with her people — loyal to the bone, always down for a laugh, a hug, a heart-to-heart, or whatever you needed in the moment. If she loved you, you knew it.
“She had that perfect mix of strength and softness — could make you laugh till you cried, then turn around and give you advice that hit you right in the soul. Her presence was big. Her light, even bigger. And that laugh and smile? They’ll echo through PB forever.”
READ NEXT