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MICHAEL NELSON Obituary

Michael "Mike" J. Nelson Michael J. Nelson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday May 13, 2011. Mike, along with his twin brother, John was born in Ridgewood, Queens, NY January 25, 1924. He grew up playing stick ball in the streets of Queens and trading newspapers for donuts. He graduated from John Adams High School in Ozone Park, Queens, New York in 1941. For a time he attended Columbia University. He worked for Wah Chang Corp, a Chinese metals trading company in New York City before training at the United States Merchant Marine School in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. In 1944 he received a commission as Ensign in the U.S. Merchant Marines while turning down an invitation to the Brooklyn Dodgers training camp. His World War II service included participation in the invasion of Normandy. Three years ago he and his wife Pat visited that site and returned home with even more great stories of his days served as a United States Merchant Marine. Following the war, Mike resumed his work at Wah Change (1946-58) and took up playing semi pro ball for the Richmond Hill Dodgers. A fun little story here is that in 1938 at the ripe old age of 14 a Queens Newspaper billed him the "darling" of Richmond Hill fans as the youngest baseball manager in the country. Yes. Mike, like the history of his life, was the "take-charge" guy at the ripe old age of 14! In 1946 he married "the girl next door", Dorothy "Dot" Rollins. They lived in Levittown, New York and later East Meadows, NY. In 1958, Mike started his own metals trading company, Metronics, but was soon recruited by the Fred H. Lenway Co. and in 1961 Mike and his family moved to Terra Linda, California to work in the San Francisco office on California Street. Following the death of Mr. Lenway in 1973, he ran the company as a subsidiary of several parent companies until 1982 when he founded his current company, Trans-Global Resources, Inc. in Novato, California. His work and innovation in the metals industry earned him the title "Mr. Tungsten". He was awarded "Vendor of the Year" in 2003 and 2007 by Sylvania and Allegheny Technologies respectively. Mike was a pillar of the Catholic Church not only in the Archdiocese of San Francisco but throughout the Bay Area and the entire country. Parishes and Catholic organizations were the frequent recipients of his extraordinary generosity: Our Lady of Loretto, St. Isabella's, Sacred Heart Olema, St Mary's Nicasio, St. Cecilia's, Lagunitas, St. Anselm's, St. Rita's, St. Hilary's, The Knights of Columbus, The Archbishop's Ring of Charity, St. Mary's College, Moraga, Hanna Boys Center, The Marist Fathers, The Dominican Sisters of san Rafael, The Jesuits, and many, many, many others. Marin Catholic High School was a very special beneficiary of Mike's generosity. Over the year's Mike was a founding member of the school's Principal's Club, a member of the President's Club, the Booster organization, and every fundraising event in the school's history! He will be missed roaming the sidelines at Marin Catholic Football games and in the baseball stands yelling at umpires. Mike and Dorothy moved to Novato in 1978. After Dorothy's death in 1986, he later married Patricia Corwin. For a time they resided in Nicasio before returning to Novato. He owned the Olema Farmhouse and Deli in Olema for a number of years. He remained an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Olema. Mike will be remembered by countless people for his quick wit, wonderful stories, many parties, and extreme generosity. He was inducted into the Marin Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 and received countless awards and recognition from other athletic organizations and schools throughout the County of Marin. He was predeceased by his Father Michael, Mother, Madeline, brother, Bernard, and his sisters, Agnes and Muriel. He is survived by his wife, Patricia of 18 years, his twin brother, John, and his sister Eleanor, his son Tom (Jean), daughter Susan, four grandchildren Lauren, Mark, Tony and Alex, two stepsons, Craig (Jennifer), and Kyle, and four great grandchildren. A viewing will be available Friday, May 20th, 6:00-7 PM at St. Vincent's in Marinwood, A rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Vincent's at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 21st with interment to follow at Valley Memorial Park, Novato. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Nelson Foundation, 10 Commercial Blvd., Ste 206, Novato, CA 94949. Arrangements under the direction of Monte's Chapel of the Hill, San Anselmo, California

Published by Marin Independent Journal from May 18 to May 20, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL NELSON

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Beautiful memories of a wonderful man, still vivid and full of warmth, kindness and fun. Rest well Mike, God bless you, with love to the extended family, from the Lowes x

Jack Krys Alex and Matt

Friend

May 11, 2022

Dear Pat, and family...I heard from Dick Hart about Mike's passing and was surprised, as he was that kind of guy that you never think of his going on, at all! Our remembrance of Mike was his generosity, kindness, and fun we had...Daniel is waiting upstairs for a round of golf with Mike. God Bless Him and you. I cherish all the memories of our times together.

Marla Murphy

May 30, 2011

Dear Pat, Tom and Susan, we are heartbroken to hear of Mike's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we celebrate the life of such a wonderful man who has brightened our lives; from the first time we met in Istanbul at a conference many years ago, his larger than life personality and warmth have shone brightly for us and although we are thousands of miles away, we feel that we are with you in spirit. We truly feel honoured and privileged to have known him - may he rest in peace in God's loving care. With our love to you all, Krys, Jack, Alex and Matt, Bromley, Kent, England xxxx

May 23, 2011

In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Go in peace, Mike.

Clark and Noel Stanton

May 22, 2011

Dear Pat, Tom, & Susan I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was my godfather and I truly enjoyed his company over the years. He always brightened my mother's day whenever he called or visited. He was a thoughtful, cheerful and caring person, who arranged surprise birthday parties for his siblings and their families. I recall how much my mother enjoyed his generosity and company on family cruises he organized over the years. He will truly be missed by the Nelson clan. Jim Corcoran (Indian Trail, NC)

May 22, 2011

Mike recruited me to join his company in 1974 as Vice President and Technical Director. Mike had a joint venture in Canon City Colorado to recover Molybdenum, Cobalt and Nickel from spent petroleum catalysts. I worked closely with Dale Lesher the Chief Metallurgist and Dale and his wife Nancy became fast friends with my wife and me.
Dale passed away in 1983 after 30 years married to Nancy and in 1986 my wife decided 31 years with me was enough and divorced me. In 1988 Nancy and I married! Had I not gone to work with MIke I would have never known Nancy with whom I have now been married 23 years. THANKS MIKE!
The 7 years I was with Mike were great fun always and there are many many more stories including the day with Mike in my car I turned left in front of an oncoming car. The passenger side where Mike was seated was caved in 18 inches. Dale Lesher went home that night and told Nancy "Millensifer tried to kill his boss today." Fortunately neither Mike nor I were injured but the car was totaled. I write this as we dress to attend Mikes services today and I will always be greatful to Mike for the way he treated me as well as my having met Nancy with whom I am now so incredebly prosperous and happy. THANKS AGAIN MIKE
Tom and Nancy Millensifer, Littleton, Colorado

Tom Millensifer

May 21, 2011

I was so sad to learn of the news. I then reflected on the lunches we had and the advice you shared. You will be missed dearly and we all miss you.

Our thoughts are with the whole family.

Rick & Jen Roman

May 20, 2011

May 20, 2011
What a wonderful man.It was an honor to know him.He will forever be with us.Our love is always with you Pat. May God bless and provide comfort to you all.

With all our love,
The Devere Family, Novato, California

May 20, 2011

i am so sad to hear about mike. he was a wonderful, caring man. i send my love to you, pat.

melanie price gruenig

May 20, 2011

Hi Pat,
I'm very sorry to hear of Mike's passing as over the last 3 years I've really enjoyed the times we've spent together. Being with him in China and watching with envy at his incredible energy was motivating. I'm still in Europe so will miss the service but thinking of both of you.

Larry Holman

May 19, 2011

Mike was a fun, wonderful man. We will all miss him.
Evelyn Kunst

May 19, 2011

Hi there Susan and Tom. It's been many years since we've seen each other. So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have such fond memories of your entire family! I wish I could attend the Mass, but unfortunately I can not. My father Frank will be there though. We lost Tony last Aug....be glad you have each other to lean on during this time. God Bless, Theresa Pulice- Reno, Nv

Theresa Pulice

May 19, 2011

Mike was a fun

May 19, 2011

I knew mike for quit a while I worked with his daughter susan at the marin civic center

May 18, 2011

Dear Pat and Family All! We so much loved Mike and his lust for life...His laugh we will never forget...He was a man who always focused on the future, and saw the good up ahead...We learned so much from him, and appreciated his intense love of the people in his life, and his intense love of his own life...Bon Voyage Mike, we miss you....and we Thank You for all that you gave to us!

nancy Cline

May 18, 2011

Mike, you touched the lives of so many of the kids at MC. You will be remembered fondly by all in the MC family.
The Kristoff Family
Kim, Bob, Mits, Nate & Omi

May 18, 2011

What a wonderful man! We will miss him roaming the sidelines and the dug outs at Marin Catholic! He was a gentleman and an inspiration. The Wheeler Family (Novato, CA)

Keith Wheeler

May 18, 2011

"Mr. Nelson" was the best "other" Dad ever. He was a joy to be around, had fun party's and took us on great adventures. But what I love most about him was that he was a loving father who doted on my BFF from high school; his daughter Susan.
Sue- Your Dad will be dearly missed. He was truly one of a kind.

Tracy Wright

May 18, 2011

Mike was an extraordinarily generous man who touched many lives and helped countless people. He will never be forgotten. We are grateful to have become members of his extended family and will miss him terribly. The Father surely must have welcomed him into Heaven with open arms!

May God bless and provide comfort to Pat and the entire family.

With Love,
Penny and Ed

Moreci

May 18, 2011

loved Mike since 1963 when I was born. He was part of our family, we lived next to him in Terra Linda and again in Nicasio. What a great Man!

Nicholas Kunst

May 18, 2011

So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers at this time.
Anita Dalpiaz
Joan Suellentrop

May 17, 2011

Mike Nelson you were a great man. Thank you for everything that you have done. I will never forget you and I'll miss you.
Love,
Nico Dumont

Nico Dumont

May 17, 2011

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