Nelson Durdle

Nelson Durdle

Nelson Durdle Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 1, 2013.
Nelson Durdle Sept 30, 1943 - Feb. 23, 2013 It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Nelson Gordon Durdle announces his sudden Promotion to Glory on February 23rd, 2013 in Maui - at 69 years old. He is remembered with love by his wife of 21 years -Joan, his son Craig (Holly), daughter Kimberly (Marcel), step-son Greg(Joy), step-daughter Alison(Patrice); and his grandchildren Matthew(18), Stewart(14), Ryan(12), Talia(10), Carly(6), Brody(4) and Brook(2). He is lovingly remembered by his Mother-in-law Major Florence Webster and sisters-in-law Lois(Norman) and Kathryn(Kester), and by his siblings: Marion, Michigan; Cyril (Maryann), Toronto; Nellie (Doug), Toronto; Philip (Imelda), Toronto; Leslie, Toronto; Otto, Toronto; half-brother Robert, Toronto; half-brother Jamie, St.John's; half-sister Rosa, St.John's and half-sister Sheri, St.John's. Nelson was predeceased by his Mother Violet May Durdle(Taylor) in 1962, his brother Hayward in 1974, his Aunt Annie Taylor in 1993, his Father Otto Durdle in 1999, his father-in-law Malcolm Webster in 2007, his brother Fred in 2007 and his sister-in-law Patsy in 2007.

Nelson was born and raised in St.John's, Nfld. He graduated from Booth Memorial High School in 1960, and was awarded the Governor General's award for high achievement. He studied at Universities in St.John's, Halifax, Toronto and at the U of A, where he completed his Ph. D. in Electrical Engineering in 1983. He taught at the U of A

in the areas of Biomedical and Computer Engineering, and worked with numerous undergraduates and graduates until his retirement in 2008.

Nelson was a kind, humorous and intelligent man, and was a Man of God as well. His love for God and his fellow man was evident in all he did. His love for the Edmonton Temple Church was witnessed by so many. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but we rejoice in the fact that he is now walking hand in hand with his Lord and Saviour.

A Celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 at 2:30pm at The Salvation Army Edmonton Temple.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Salvation Army Edmonton Temple 9115 - 75th Street, Edmonton, Ab. T6C 4L3.



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December 11, 2023

Shan Huang posted to the memorial.

March 13, 2013

M & A Bazzarelli posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2013

Pamela Keith posted to the memorial.

17 Entries

Shan Huang

December 11, 2023

Dr. Durdle meant a lot to me. I was an international student at ECE U of A in 2005. He was the only professor willing to offer summer paid research job to international students. I was lucky to work for him in terms of 3D image research. I didn't really accomplish a lot in the research topic but I did help to setup their computer system in terms of linux file backups. It was my first real job in U of A. I will forever remember him and his kindness.

M & A Bazzarelli

March 13, 2013

I am greatly saddened to hear this news. Dr. Durdle meant a lot to me and I am grateful to have known him. All the wonderful things people say are so true. He was a man of faith, compassionate, fun to be around, and he was a good mentor. I would like to send our condolences and heartfelt sympathy for your family's loss.

Pamela Keith

March 11, 2013

Dear Joan. I was on the boat which took you and your husband to the dock where medical assistance was waiting. I did speak with you and knew you were from Edmonton. You may not remember however, I have thought of you both many times, hoping the outcome was good. It is with great sadness that I have learnt your husband did pass. Please accept my condolences and prayers. Althought I never knew your husband, through reading, I know he was a very kind soul.

Albert & Grace Handrigan

March 6, 2013

Joan and family. you are all in our prayers during this difficult time.

March 5, 2013

My prayers are with Nelson's family and friends. Take comfort in knowing that Nelson is with our Heavenly Father and although he is missed we can take comfort in knowing that he is in a wonder place. Love from Sister Nellie.

Victory and Wayne Hegedus Radford

March 5, 2013

My condolences to the family. Such a loss for you all. Strength and Courage to you during this time.

Kris Pucci

March 4, 2013

Dr. Durdle was an inspiration to myself and many others during undergrad studies. He will be missed.

Mark Fedorak

March 4, 2013

My condolences go out to the family of Dr. Durdle. Meeting him put forward my entire career path and I will always be thankful for his generosity and kindness.

Mojgan Daneshmand

March 3, 2013

Dear Joan, we were saddened by hearing the sudden pass of Nelson , one of the first colleagues we met at ECE at the U of A. His passion in helping us through our hard times has been always appreciated. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Pedram and Mojgan

Kees denHartigh

March 3, 2013

So sorry for your loss Joan and Family. Nelson was a mentor friend and inspiration to me. His kindness, compassion and humor helped me greatly during the 25 years I worked with him as an employee in ECE. Our heart felt condolences to all of Nelson's family from the denHartigh's

Greg Campbell

March 3, 2013

It is with deep sadness that I learn of Dr. Durdle's passing. I was a student of his in Computer Engineering from '87-'90, and I was fortunate enough to get to know him personally when I worked at the Glenrose Hospital after graduation...

He was particularly well known in the 4th year project course where students knew they could boost their grade slightly by putting LED's (lights) into the projects. They became lovingly referred to as "Durdle Lights" - and to this day I still use that term...

I will be lighting a LED for Dr. Durdle...

Diane Baker

March 2, 2013

Dearest Joan, extended families and friends of Nelson. Prayes, love in abundance from the east coast are with you today. It was a priviledge to know Nelson and to share in your happiness. Blessings.

Marion Durdle

March 2, 2013

Joan, Kimberly, Craig and Grandchildren Although I can't be there please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. Distant kept Nelson and I apart but our sister brother bond was never broken. I will miss him dearly and cannot imagine the loss you are feeling. He is Heavens gain and your guardian angel. Love Sister Marion

March 1, 2013

Joan& Family. It is with great sadness we relay our most deepest sympathies. Our prayers &our thoughts are surrounding you all this time of grief. We pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace that passeth all understanding. we remember Nelson with fond memories God Bless. Bertha & Frank

Carrie Anne Doucette

March 1, 2013

Love and prayers to Joan, her family, friends and The Salvation Army and anyone who was blessed to know him. This is the loss such a wonderful, loving, generous, inspiring man. I may not have known you very long but you taught me much and you will be dearly missed.

PJ Durdle

March 1, 2013

You were my Uncle. I heard a lot of amazing things about you growing up. I was raised knowing how smart my Uncle Nelson was.

May God bless you and your (our) family. I know you have many people to look over from up above. But if you are able, i hope u might watch over my little son from time to time.

You know the truth now... Whatever it is.

With many respects and prayers, your nephew and his family, PJ, Jill, and Jerrett

Bruce Cockburn

March 1, 2013

I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of my Computer Engineering colleague and friend of over 22 years. Nelson was indeed a kind, humorous, intelligent and very sociable man. His cheerful good nature through the ups and the inevitable occasional downs of an academic career will continue to be an inspiration to me in my own life as I am sure his example will be to his other colleagues at the University of Alberta. To Joan and the rest of Nelson's extended family, please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Bruce & Cathy

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Sign Nelson Durdle's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 11, 2023

Shan Huang posted to the memorial.

March 13, 2013

M & A Bazzarelli posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2013

Pamela Keith posted to the memorial.