Obituary of Garry Vernon Nelson

Nelson, Garry Vernon age 79 years of Mount Uniacke; passed away September 5, 2013 at the Hants Community Hospital in the arms of his loving wife of 55 years Gladys (Wilkes). Born on April 10, 1934 in Tufts Cove; he was the son of the late Cecil and Emilie (Holmes) Nelson. He spent sixteen years in the Armed Forces as an Instrument Tech. He loved to fly and took advantage of every opportunity to take the controls. He was also a part of Search and Rescue and shared many stories of his adventures. It was in Toronto that he met his wife, Gladys, who was training as a Hairdresser. He was subsequently transferred to Greenwood and built his first house in Kingston, NS. He spent ten years there and, after another posting to Summerside, PEI, decided to leave the forces. When he left the forces he managed his father's business, The Ship Victory Tavern. He later followed in his father's footsteps, as well as many others in the Nelson family, and took his training as a welder. He enjoyed years of designing and installing wrought iron. He built his second house in Mount Uniacke and was part of the community for forty one years until he was called to Heaven. Throughout the years, he also maintained a close relationship with his parents and was a big part of their family legacy, Nelson's Trailer Park, he was involved in establishing and operating the park. As he was an honorable and humble man, his was available in his parents' later years and ill health. He enjoyed interacting with the tenants and earned their friendship and respect. Garry loved to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature and fishing and hunting. He enjoyed a passion for roses and they bloomed beautifully when he was able to take care of them. He had a love of learning and was very personable. He started out with a smile and would sit at length and enjoy a conversation, which would sometimes end up being very one sided as he loved to chat. His easy going manner made him a very likeable person with a wide group of friends and he was always there to lend a helping hand. He was also a man of integrity and justice with a code of honor that he was willing to fight for when necessary. He loved telling great stories and had a curious and intelligent mind that he loved to share. Left with fond and loving memories are his daughters Joanne Zinck (Michael) of Mount Uniacke and Teresa of Lower Sackville; sons Glenn of Upper Rawdon and Vernon (Cheryl) of Dartmouth; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Although he was diagnosed with dementia a number of years ago, he was able to spend his time at home until he got ill this summer. Although he was strong and a fighter, his body couldn't fight the battle and now is resting peacefully. He will be greatly missed. Our family would like to thank the staff at the Halifax Infirmary for their care while Garry was there, with special thanks to Dr. Haas. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Hants Community Hospital where he spent his last weeks in Palliative Care. Their compassion and support of Garry and his family was greatly appreciated. In keeping with Garry's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service held at the Mount Uniacke Baptist Church on September 13, 2013 at l pm with Rev. Alan Orser officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society or Hants Community Hospital. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, Wolfville Chapel (568 Main St) 542-4656.