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Earl Nelson Obituary

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Earl Nelson

THE PAS, MB

February 16, 1923 - August 3, 2013

Earl Nelson Obituary

Longtime resident of The Pas, Earl Charles Nelson was born on February 16, 1923 to James Nelson and Ida Classen in Almont, North Dakota. He had dual citizenship. Earl moved to Durban, Manitoba as a young boy and then to The Pas in 1935. Earl had to leave school at a young age to help support his mother and siblings. He worked as a commercial fisherman, trapper and in a sawmill until he entered the army. Earl served in the Canadian Army with the Winnipeg Rifles – Seaforth Highlanders from 1943 - 1946. When the cook for his regiment was killed in action, Earl took over his duties. His cooking was well liked and he was sent to France for training as a pastry and bread chef. When he wasn't needed on the battlefield he cooked for his regiment. His service took him to the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany and Holland. He was awarded the Italy Star, France Star and Germany Star, as well as the Canadian Volunteer Service medal. After the war, Earl worked as a cook in logging camps and the Paris Cafe before learning the construction business from Percy Hayes. He started Nelson Construction after Percy's retirement and built many homes and commercial buildings in The Pas. At times he also did some survey work for Manitoba Highways. Earl married Geraldine Rose Hiatt on October 7, 1947 at Christ Church, The Pas. Together, they raised five children: Linda, Laurie, Gerald, Garth and Leanne. Earl was an avid hunter, fisherman, curler, poker and bridge player. In 2008 Earl and Dr. Mike Pinder won the bronze medal in bridge at the Canadian Senior Games in Dieppe, New Brunswick. As a lover of fresh fruit, every year Earl enjoyed the quest for the ultimate wild blueberry patch. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Elks. Earl's family extended well beyond blood relatives; Jim Parker in particular, and many others, thought of Earl as a father figure and mentor. He welcomed friends and neighbours into his family and never let anyone forget how lucky he felt to have such wonderful people in his life. Earl not only belonged to the Nelson family, he belonged to all of us. We are all left to feel the loss for the kindest, most loving and generous father, brother and friend. Earl passed away Saturday, August 3, 2013, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, at the age of 90 years. Earl is survived by his children Linda (Eric) and Laurie (Harry) of Kamloops, B.C., Gerald (Judi) of Prince George, B.C., Garth, Leanne (Mark) of The Pas; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; sister Ruby Nuccio, Poughkeepsie, New York. Earl was predeceased by his wife Geraldine; parents James and Ida Nelson; and brothers Cliff and Lorne. Prayers and visitation were held Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 7:00 pm, at the Chapel of Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, Manitoba. The funeral service for Earl was held Thursday, August 8, 2013, 11:00 am, at Christ Church Anglican, The Pas, Manitoba, with Rev. Rebecca Graham presiding. Music ministry was provided by Isobel Halcrow and the Christ Church Choir. Pallbearers were Dr. Mike Pinder, Jim Parker, Randy Moore, Sean Parkinson, Cheryl Brunet, Rick Brunet. Interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery, The Pas, Manitoba. A reception was held for family and friends at The Royal Canadian Legion Hall, The Pas, Manitoba. If friends so desire, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 Building Fund, Box 478, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K6, would be appreciated by Earl’s family.

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Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Earl Nelson.