Don Nelson

Don Nelson of Calgary passed away peacefully at the Rockyview Hospital on Friday, November 28, 2008 at the age of 89. Don was predeceased by both of his wife and the mother of his children, Hilda, and his second wife Malvina. Born in Saskatoon and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Don served our country proudly during WWII as a member of the Winnipeg Grenadiers. He was captured during the fall of Hong Kong on Christmas Day 1941, and survived four years as a prisoner of war in Japan. After his release in 1945, Don returned to Prince Albert, where he began his new life, married Hilda and started a family. They moved to Calgary in 1954. Don worked in the automobile industry in Calgary until his retirement in 1983. Throughout his life, he remained an active member of the Hong Kong Veterans Association with a strong passion for veterans' affairs. He was also a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada Association. A loving brother, father and grandfather, Don leaves behind his sister, Anne Elmer; his daughter Gail (Dwight) Gilmour and sons Jack (Ruth) Nelson, Don (Jeanne) Nelson, Terry (Barbara) Nelson and Ken (Marilyn) Nelson. Don is also survived by his grandchildren; Robert Nelson, Deborah (Darryl) Forbes, Kathryn (Sean) Fero, Kristine (Ryan) Groot, Tara (Carl) McTaggart, Danny (Patricia) Nelson, Jennifer Gilmour, Jillian Gilmour (John Huynh), Sheena (Vern) Linderman, Kristopher Nelson (Kellie Haines), and Nicholas Franke. He is also fondly remembered by 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Patrick Wong and the staff of Unit 47 of the Rockyview Hospital for the compassionate and professional care.

A Funeral Service will be held at Pierson's Forest Lawn Chapel, 4121 - 17 Avenue SE, Calgary on Friday, December 5, 2008 at 11:00 am. A reception will follow interment at Rocky View Cemetery, Field on Honour. If friends so desire donations can be made directly to The Canadian Poppy Trust Fund c/o Calgary Poppy Fund, #1, 4539 - 6 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 3Z6. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca. Arrangements are in care of PIERSON'S FUNERAL SERVICE. Telephone 403 235-3602.