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G. Lynn Nelson

G. Nelson Obituary

Nelson, G. Lynn
It is with great sadness that the family of Lynn announces his death on Nov. 6, 2014. Lynn's amazing life, led with love, kindness, grace and courage, is his gift that sustains us. He was larger than life to so many, and we like to say that he was a giant of a man in every way, inside and out. A memorial and celebration for our precious Lynn will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Dayspring United Methodist Church, 1365 E. Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284. In honor of Lynn's style, we encourage you to dress casually (he loved his blue jeans). In lieu of flowers or donations, we invite you to make a contribution to your favorite charity or help someone in need.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Nov. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for G. Nelson

17 Entries

Carole Wise

June 14, 2021

I am heartbroken to hear about Lynn’s passing my thoughts and condolences to the family ☮
He was a mentor & friend
carole

Becky Montgomery

November 12, 2020

Lynn was my teacher and my friend. I think about him often and miss him dearly.
He allowed me to figure out I could write. He showed me what kindness is.
I hope I make it to Heaven someday where I know I will see his sweet smile again.

Miss ya, G. Lynn Nelson

Becky Montgomery

November 8, 2015

I didn't learn of Lynn's death until today when I looked for him on Facebook then on Google, one year later. My heart broke. I read what others wrote about him, and I agree with everything: gentle, caring, bigger than life. I want to add that he showed me that I could write. Lynn didn't teach; he lead, encouraged, shined a light on others. My thoughts go out to Lori and his beautiful girls and his grandchildren. I miss you, Lynn. Since the day you teased me about pronouncing your name as Ly-nn in my Texas accent, you have been somewhere in my heart. Goodbye.

November 8, 2015

For Lyn's family,
Like so many others, I first met Lyn as a student, in his Methods class in the fall of 1974. Thanks significantly to him (and pathetic financial planning!), I'm still teaching English today, in the Peoria District in Glendale. Over the years, not only did I take several other classes from him, but I learned, and was reassured, to try to allow humanity, compassion and kindness to be the center of my classes. Lyn was always so supportive, so patient, but also funny and self-effacing. The last time I saw him, I dropped by his office at ASU to talk, as my youngest child was registering for a class in the Eng Dept. Years earlier, Lyn (and I believe Laurie, too) had visited me and my wife, Linda (who also died last November) at St. Joseph's Hospital, after the birth of our first child, Amy, in May of 1978. I'm very saddened to learn of Lyn's passing; I just "googled" him today, wondering what he might be doing and saw the bad news. He was a great man ("person", he might insist!) an inspiring teacher and a warm, life-enhancing friend. Love to the family.
Gary Mangin

Cecelia (Sea)

August 12, 2015

I thought about G Lynn Nelson today; I had been thinking about him over the past year on and off he would enter my thoughts like a light switch. Today I read that he left us on November 6, 2014. I lost key relatives in 2014 and Lynn is now included. I feel saddened that I never will get to see his backyard and his sacred place within it; I am saddened that I won't see his crinkly smile again in this world. I am grateful to him for Sonny a journey through a semester at ASU in the early nineties. A journey that I made walking with other students with Lynn walking next to us; guiding us; teaching us; healing us; enlightening us; our own personal Buddha. Like Buddha he will be back; I will look for you Lynn in the wild flowers; the snails my grandson and I talk to each morning; the endless blue sky and baking sunshine or the pale crescent moon lighting our dark path each night. I will look for you there because this is where you live, forever in my thoughts and in my soul.

Jack Eastham

June 17, 2015

How better my life has been as educator and person because of the life of Lynn, a gentleman, scholar, and mentor who will never be absent from us because of his presence in us.

Maria Glass

May 14, 2015

I just found out and my heart is heavy. Lynn changed my life, as a teacher, as a writer, and as a human being. Him changing me helped me change the life of so many of my students for the better. His legacy continues.

Teri

April 24, 2015

I just recently found out about Lynn's passing and it both shocked and saddened me. He was my teaching mentor in the early 90s and taught me so much about teaching writing the real way. He was my friend and inspiration. Sadly I lost touch with him when I moved to Colorado but his teachings stayed with me, and always will. Peace to his family and many friends, and to him. Heaven has gained a great soul.

Lisa Kent

December 7, 2014

For Lynn.

Darren Crovitz

December 1, 2014

Lynn had a profound influence on me as a teacher and writer, and I feel very grateful for having known him. He had a positive impact students that will continue into the future... Condolences to his family.

Danie Soard

November 20, 2014

Lynn was one of my personal heroes, as well as my mentor and model of what a man should be. My deepest condolences to his family. He was one of the best people I have met. He changed the lives of so many and in doing so changed the world.

Rest in Peace Lynn. Thank you for believing in me, seeing my potential, and then giving me the chance to learn grow to reach it.

Mary Roman

November 19, 2014

My heart is saddened for the entire Nelson family. As quickly as he became my son's step grandfather he won the heart of our entire family. His love and kindness is mirrored in his family. Heaven has gained what we already cherished. ?

Deb Benedict

November 18, 2014

Lynn was an amazing educator. He inspired me during the Writing Project. He will be missed, and my prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Curtis Perry

November 17, 2014

I just learned of Lynn's passing. My prayers and condolences go out to his family.

Diana Uyder

November 17, 2014

Lynn taught me to write and to teach and to find peace, love, and fulfillment through both. He impacted many generations of students and his legacy will continue to do so. Deepest sympathy.

Mary Denison

November 16, 2014

He was my friend and mentor. He gave me the courage to believe in myself again. I feel he will always be with me. My love and prayers go out to Lynn's family who I know loved him dearly.

November 16, 2014

I am sorrowed and saddened by the passing of Dr. G. Lynn Nelson.
He encouraged me in asserting my voice and in the value of listening to others. He cared about others, especially his students, and had a passion for teaching and writing.
Enjoy the afterlife of peace and tranquility.

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