NELSON, Donald William
October 30, 1949 - November 4, 2012
It is with great sadness that after a year- long battle with cancer, Don Nelson passed away November 4, 2012 at the Drumheller Health Centre, surrounded by family and friends. Throughout his battle he never gave up and always remained positive. Don was the first born of seven children to Willis and Jean Nelson, of Michichi, on October 30, 1949. Don grew up on the family farm at Michichi corner. He received his education from Michichi, Delia, and Drumheller Composite High School before continuing on to SAIT to apprentice as a journeyman electrician. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Patricia Wilson. They were married July 19, 1969, in Delia. Two years later Don and Pat were excited to announce the arrival of their first child, a daughter, Tracy, and then followed the arrival of their second child, a son, Cory. At this time Don worked in Calgary, but soon decided to re-join his dad in the farming lifestyle that he treasured. A few years later Don, Pat and the children moved to Delia, where he started farming with his father-in-law, Bill Wilson. Don loved farming so much that he continued throughout the entirety of his life. He also took on other local positions, including electrical work for Frank Todd, and taking care of the Delia Arena. Although Don worked a great deal, that did not deter him from spending copious amounts of time volunteering for community organizations, as well as lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Don was very generous with his time with the Delia Historical Society, and the Delia Fire Department, but he did not need to be a member of an organization to help out when necessary. He greatly enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, playing ball and hockey. The most joyful occasions in Don‘s life was spending quality time with his three granddaughters, Caitlin, Nicole and Samantha. His greatest gratification was seeing his granddaughters take an interest in his lifelong passion of raising cattle. They spent many hours checking and feeding cows together, and in that time he taught the girls the importance of hard work and dedication to what you love. Don‘s land in the Handhills saw great time with friends and family alike, it was his “little piece of heaven”. Don leaves to mourn his loving wife and best friend of 43 years, Pat; daughter Tracy (Darren) Wolf of Morrin; son Cory (Deeon) Nelson of Delia; granddaughters Caitlin and Nicole Wolf and Samantha Nelson. Brother Dale (Donna) Nelson of Delia; sister Connie (Darrell) Trout of Byemoor; sister-in-law Doreen Nelson of Michichi; brother Brian Nelson of Michichi; sister Colleen (Gordon) McKay of Alix; and sister Cindy (Kelly) Montgomery of Morrin. Brother-in-law Bill (Frances) Wilson of Calgary; and brother-in-law Dave Wilson of Calgary; numerous nephews and nieces; great nephews and great nieces; uncle, aunts; cousins; and many special friends. Don was predeceased by father-in-law, William Wilson (1996); mother, Jean Nelson (1996); brother, Bob Nelson (2000); father, Willis Nelson (2000); mother-in-law, Elaine Wilson (2011). Everyone Don met throughout his life, he left a lasting impression on. Respecting Donnie’s wishes, there will be no Funeral Service held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society Alberta/NWT Division 200-325 Manning RD NE Calgary, AB T2E 9Z9 or the Delia Historical Society Box 93, Delia, AB T0J 0W0. Courtney-Winters Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements (403 823 2666).
