January 28, 1939 – September 19, 2021
Peacefully on Sunday, September 19, 2021, Nelson passed away. He is survived by his sisters in law, Olga Olender and Mae Harcus, nieces and nephews, Evelyn, Sherry (Terry), Don, Jo-Ann (Curt), Bonnie (Darren), Michael (Betty Ann), and his great nieces and nephews. Also survived by cousins Bud (Terry), Margaret (Bill), and Barb (Tom). He was the youngest of his family and now joins his parents James and Evelyn and brothers Douglas, Don, and Joe. Sadly, he was recently predeceased by great nephew Cody Ryback.
Nelson grew up in Lockport on the ‘Avenue’ and attended school in Lockport and had many lifelong friends, Bud, Martin, Terry and Raymond as well as his 3 brothers. Nelson had mobility issues as a result of childhood polio, but this never held him back from joining in and doing all the normal childhood things and working as an adult. Growing up in Lockport there were many stories of fishing, gardening, and fun times. Some of his pets over the years included rabbits, cats, dogs of which his favorite was his little black cocker spaniel named Charlie.
Nelson worked as a custodian for the Lord Selkirk School Division at St Andrews school, and Selkirk Junior High. In the late ‘80’s he made a big move and relocated to White Rock BC where he worked at various jobs before retiring. In BC, he was close to Dwane Wiesner and his children, Jhanine, Derek, and Dean whom he was known to as Grandpa. Around 2007 after some health issues Nelson decided to relocate back to Selkirk to be closer to his remaining brother Joe and sisters in law Mae and Olga and his nieces and nephews.
Some of the things anyone who ever met Nelson will remember about him will be his memory, neatness and his appetite. He had a great memory and could give you the dates of birthdays and the full names of family members and how they were related, always amazed us with this knowledge. He took pride in having his hair and clothing always looking just so, as well he was extremely tidy, kept a tidy house and his room at Tudor had to be neat and arranged just so. He also had a great appetite for any meal he liked, and he loved sweets, especially raisin pie and most pies of any kind with ice cream. We often teased him that he had a hollow leg to put all that food in without gaining weight.
Our family is forever grateful for the loving care provided by the Tudor House over the past 9 years, the entire staff was his family. He had his favorites, and you know who you are. When he was having an off day, you were always able to turn things around with some humor and tough love. At the time of his passing, he was the longest resident at Tudor House.
Private graveside service has taken place at St. Andrews on the Red.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Tudor House Personal Care Home – Recreation Fund 800 Manitoba Ave Selkirk, MB R1A 2C8.
Condolences may be left on Nelson’s memorial page by utilizing the comments field below.
Arrangements entrusted to Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services.