Dr. Lawrence C. Nelson

1933 - 2015

Celebrating the Life of DR. LAWRENCE C. NELSON On July 5th, 2015 Dr. Lawrence C. Nelson took his exit from this life. Despite our sadness, we, his family, wish to honor this man and the legacy he leaves behind him. Better known as "Larry" to his friends and family, he was born in Kingsley, Iowa in 1933. At a young age his family relocated to Southern California and established themselves in Corona. During his teenage years he attended Corona Junior High School and Corona High School. His adventures began after graduating high school when he enlisted in the Navy in 1951. He served his time at sea on a submarine and it was during this time he met his beautiful wife, Regina. She caught his eye at a Navy dance and he convinced her to meet him for a date. The bus stop bench in San Diego where they met for their first date is a considerable landmark to the Nelson family and has been visited often over the years. They were married in 1954 and had five children: Robert, Larry Dean, Jeff, Michele, and Danielle. After being discharged from the Navy, Larry and Regina remained in Southern California. Larry attended Long Beach State with the intent to study chemistry but found himself drawn to medicine. Despite having a young family to support, he worked and put himself through medical school. He eventually graduated from California School of Medicine in 1963. His residency at Riverside General Hospital began another adventure; as a young doctor he often worked in the emergency department. Based on the stories he often told, that experience was rewarding however frightening it might have been at times. Throughout his career he also delivered countless babies and I'll bet many in the Corona-Norco area knows someone who was brought into this world by Dr. Nelson! Larry established his own practice in Corona in 1965. This is where he may have been the most influential in this community, touching many lives. His success as a doctor was not determined simply by his ability to diagnose and treat disease but by how much he genuinely cared for everyone who sought care from him. Many of his neighbors, friends, employees, and patients remember him for his support and influence in their lives. Larry was also an active member in the community. In 1994 the Boy Scouts of America named him "Person of the Year" for his community service. His most notable work was as the "Team Doc" for Norco High School Football since 1967. We remember his service by issuing the "Doc Nelson Scholarship" to a Norco High student every year. He retired in 2005 and has spent his retirement years surrounded by his friends and family and traveling all over the world. Larry was always optimistic. He loved life and good times. He was the soul of every party and loved to entertain. We will remember him getting down on the dance floor and singing "Tiny Bubbles" or Frank Sinatra's "My Way". Even in his 80's Larry and Regina made a point to go out with their friends every Wednesday night. Dr. Lawrence Nelson is survived by his wife Regina; his children; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. He passed in comfort and dignity at Corona Regional Medical Center with Regina and his daughter Michele by his side. He will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, physician, colleague, mentor, and friend. We will be celebrating the life of this amazing man on July 16th at 1 o'clock pm at Crossroads Church in the PLEX room. Address: 2331 Kellogg Ave, Corona. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die". Thomas Campbell