You are now on Legacy.com. Your site use is governed by their Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Any purchases are with Legacy.com. Learn More

Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Erb & Good Family Funeral Home - Waterloo

171 King Street South

Waterloo, Ontario

GORDON NELSON Obituary

Gordon Nelson passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Gordon was born in Hamilton, Ontario, to James and Nora (née Rowbotham) Nelson, originally of England.

Growing up in the shadow of the Niagara Escarpment, Gordon developed a deep appreciation of the natural world.

In time, he became a professor of environmental studies and, over a long and devoted career, was recognized nationally and internationally for his leadership in the fields of parks, protected areas, and conservation.

As a scholar and educator, latterly at the University of Waterloo, he taught and mentored many dedicated individuals who carry on this important work.

He is survived, and much missed, by his wife of 68 years, Shirley (née Hutton); and their children, Kathryn (Hugh) of Ottawa, Jim (Mary) of Erin and David (Jane) of Toronto; and by his grandchildren, Jessie of Vancouver and Alexandra (Liam) of North Vancouver; as well as nephews and nieces in Canada and the United States.

A private family service has taken place.

To honour Gordon, the family welcomes donations to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (https://donate.cpaws.org/page/18554/donate/1). Memories and condolences may be made at: www.erbgood.com
Published by The Globe and Mail from May 18 to May 22, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for GORDON NELSON

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Karen Beazley

May 27, 2024

Gordon was a force of (and for) nature. His legacy and contribution were and remain truly substantial and legendary. It certainly lives on in his many impressive works and the many students he mentored and guided over these many years.
Rest in peace, Gordon. You´ve earned and deserve it. My deepest sympathies and condolences to all his loved ones.

Brigitte Bryant

May 22, 2024

Sincère condoléances
Dr Christopher and Mrs Brigitte Bryant

Harold Eidsvik

May 21, 2024

Shirley& Family--My condolences--the obituary published in ths Globe was a Huge ubderstatement of gordon's contribution to Parks and Protected Areas in Canada. He was a respected leader for the NGO community, he was highly respected by the managers of Parks Canada. He was a stimulating Professor never short of ideas. I had the pleasure of working with him through th 60's, 70's and eighties. Never forget that Mr. Chretian bet him $1.00 that he would create ten new National Parks in the next ten years. Mr C has the dollar framed on his office wall. We will all miss this major mover and shaker in the conservation movement. Love to the family Harold Eidsvik, Ret'd Chief of Planning Parks Canada.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Memorial Events
for GORDON NELSON

Funeral services provided by:

Erb & Good Family Funeral Home - Waterloo

171 King Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P7