NELSON SHOEMAKER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NELSON SHOEMAKER The family of Nelson Shoemaker would like to celebrate his life, and mourn his passing. Nelson passed away on June 10, 2003 at Eastview Lodge, Neepawa, MB. He was predeceased by his wife Edith (Ford) his parents, Allan an Louetta Shoemaker of Grandview; brother Irvine and wife Bertie of Grandview; sister Merle and husband Bill Molberg of Roblin. He is survived by two daughters, Penny and husband Robert Windsor of Dauphin and Erin Shoemaker and partner Janet Harvey of Regina; five grandchildren, Dean Windsor and wife Karen of Brandon, Shelley Burdeny and husband Leon of Dauphin, Melanie Dyer of Martensville, SK, Joel Dyer and wife Kris of Finland, and Lisa Dyer and partner Elizabeth Barnes of Austin, TX; six great-grandchildren, Amanda and Holly Windsor, Jessie Windsor, Joshua and Misha Jacobson and Alex Dyer. Also surviving are brothers, Glen and wife Audrey, Cal and wife Eileen; and sisters, Sadie and husband Harvey Somers and Beatrice Meyer, all of Grandview, and Thelma Walker of Penticton, BC; and numerous nieces and nephews. Nelson was born on the family farm near Grandview on February 17, 1911. He received his elementary education in the one-room school house of Artemesia School and high school at Grandview. His business career began in 1931 when he accepted the Neepawa dealership for Watkins products. Nelson married Edith Ford, a teacher, in 1933. They were blessed with two daughters, Penny and Erin. He survived the 1930s by raising chickens and bees and trading in furs, honey, eggs or any other farm products offered. A few years later he assumed the business of McKenzie Insurance, which later became the partnership with Jack McGillvray. Over time the business expanded beyond real estate and life insurance to the travel business. Eventually he was joined by Homer Gill. At retirement Nelson sold the business to Jim Schmall and son Don. Nelson served on Neepawa Town Council for several years. Encouraged by Wm. Morton, he entered provincial politics in 1958 and served as the Liberal M.L.A. for Neepawa / Gladstone Constituency for the next 11 years. Nelson and Edith loved square dancing, gardening, reading and travelling, which the did extensively, spending many winters in Arizona. The funeral service will be held at Neepawa United Church on Friday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. Ashes are interned at the Columbarium in the Neepawa Cemetery. Whites Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2003