GEORGE COLLINS NELSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GEORGE COLLINS NELSON 1932 - 2002 It is with great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of George Nelson on Friday, December 20, 2002, at home, with his family by his side. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Joyce of 47 years of marriage; devoted father to daughter Lori Eason (Andrew), son James (Linda, Adam and Tanya), and loving grandfather of Murray; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mel and Joan Sipley of Lac du Bonnet; two nieces, one nephew and many cousins. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and June Sipley. Dad was the only child of Louise Charlotte Collins (1889-1973) from Collins Cove-Burin, NF and Frank Robinson Nelson (1898-1984) from Lancashire, England, born on April 22, 1932. He spent many summers at YMCAs Camp Stephens as a camper and then Waterfront Director. In the 1940s Dad spent many hours at the YMCA with the "Y" Tankers Swim Club. In 1949 he was a junior mens Canadian Record holder in the 50 yard butterfly stroke, as well as the Canadian Record holder for the three stroke medley relay. Dad started with the YMCAs tumbling and gymnastic program doing hand balancing and teeterboard (as bottom man) and trampoline (the first one in Winnipeg). He also was a comedy diver and participated in the first two Red River Exhibitions at the Old Amphitheatre and Osborne stadium, which led to a summer on the road with the Wallace Brothers Carnival in the Prairie Provinces and Quebec. After returning to Winnipeg in 1952, Dad met Joyce and they wed on June 30, 1955. Marriage required Dad to settle down (as much as possible) and he began to work for the City of Winnipeg Health Department. He started hunting and fishing which peaked an interest in the outdoors, which became his religion. God became ecology, Mother Nature his mistress and Fort Whyte Centre his church. Like most religions he belonged but didnt attend much. The Manitoba Wildlife Federation became the focus and direction for the rest of his life. As Fish Chairman, he was the writer for several publications including the Wildlife Crusader, a semi-regular on CBC Radios fishing, travel and BBQ features. In 1963 he left the City to work with the Canada Land Inventory Project and then moved on to Natural Resources, Fisheries Branch where he retired in 1988. Dad then utilized his acquired skill of calligraphy, combined it with his appreciation of art and spent 13 enjoyable years as the owner/operator of a Framing and Art franchise, specializing in memorabilia. While his real belief was in the Fort Whyte Centre, the last 29 years his heart was at the Breezy Bend Country Club. Dad possessed the determination of his mother and the kindness of his father. He always did what he believed in and believed in what he did. Dad had a wonderful sense of humour right to the end, and he had a quote for every occasion. He was always generous, sometimes to a fault. In compliance with Dads wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Everyone is welcome to join family and friends in a celebration of Dads life on Saturday, January 4, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in the Breezy Bend Country Club, 7620 Roblin Blvd., Headingly, MB. Our family would like to thank Dr. Albak, Dr. Harris and Dr. Barber; all the nurses from the Grace Hospital and Palliative Care; his special friend Don, and many, many others for their kindness and thoughtfulness through Dads illness. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dads memory to the Fort Whyte Centre, 1961 McCreary Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9. "Our Dad - Our Hero" Always Loving - Forever Loved WOJICKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2002