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Barry Nelson Obituary

Barry Nelson Oct. 18, 1962 – Dec. 1, 2007 Barry Nelson, 45, was killed Saturday, Dec. 1, in a freeway accident in Mesa. He was born in Gallopolis Ferry, West Virginia, spent his youth in Southern California, graduating from high school in 1980. He earned his college degree and was working in Seattle, Washington before moving to Arizona. Barry, husband of Christina, father of Nicholas and Abigail, was beloved by family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him. Barry was one of the 'good guys': funny, loving, kind, gentle, and as devoted to his family as they were to him. Barry spent many hours coaching his son and daughter's sport teams; he enjoyed, and participated in many of the dad/child activities at their school, and he tried perfecting his golf game. He dedicated his time to his family while his wife, Christina, earned her bachelor and master degrees. Barry and Christina loved getting together with his long time friends and their wives. After 20+ years of friendship they still enjoyed football games (Go, Bengals!), playing pool, and golfing together. He was employed by Salt River Project as an Electrical Designer upon his return to Arizona. Barry is survived by wife, Christina; son, Nicholas; daughter, Abigail all of Mesa. Other survivors include his Mother-in-law, Norma Rose of Mesa; Father-in-law, Mark Lomax of Fairbanks Alaska; Step-mother, Sharon Nelson of Ashland, Oregon; along with brother, Brian Nelson of Westminster California; sisters: Jeannine Takaki of Kirkland Washington, Tina Fukumoto of Seattle Washington, Michelle Puggarana and Maureen Shaw of Portland Oregon, and Robin Pataro of Great Falls Montana, plus many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Barry is preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Shirley Nelson; and brother, Patrick. Service will be held Friday, December 7 at 11:00: Mariposa Gardens, 400 S. Power Road in Mesa. Donations may be given in Barry's honor to your favorite charity and/or an account has been set-up for the needs of his children. To receive information on donating write to: [email protected]

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Barry Nelson

13 Entries

Gloria Full

December 23, 2007

Dear Christina,

I can not find words to express the sadness I feel for you and your children. I had to read the announcement several times to believe that it was you and your family experiencing such a tragic loss. Please let me know when you feel up to seeing me and do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do to support you and the children. My heart and prayers are with you.

love you,

Gloria

Mark, Heidi & Nick Hannon

December 10, 2007

Dear Nelson Family-
We will always remember your husband and Dad, sitting on the football sidelines, or at practice, cheering on Nicholas. He was so proud to watch Nicholas out there on the field, with a big smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly hard time.
The Hannon's (the "other Nick" on the Chargers flag-football team).

Jim & Mellody Ireland

December 10, 2007

Dear Christi, Nick and Abby
We are so sorry for your lost. Always remember the smiles, the laughs, the good times and the love. Our love, thoughts and prayer are with you at this sad time.

JoAnn Paulson

December 10, 2007

To Christi, Nick and Abby, We are so sorry for your loss - our words are not enough - our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Wes, JoAnn and Adam

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Willy James

December 10, 2007

Dear Nelson family,
I worked with Barry and have come to know him as a very good man and he was my friend. He will be missed deeply by those that knew him. Thank you for sharing him with us. I will keep you in my prayers.

Andrea Kalenius

December 7, 2007

Christie, Nick and Abby~

I don't have the right words to express my feelings to you. My heart hurts for the pain and suffering the three of you are enduring. Please know that I am praying for you and that God will keep you all strong. Hold tight to your memories and know that your gaurdian angel is right by your side. With much love, Dan, Andrea, Madelline and Jake

Teresa Tardy

December 6, 2007

Christina,Nicholas & Abby,
I am soo sorry for your loss. Barry was a kind and loving man, who will be greatly missed. Hold on to your memories, as they will help you through the tough times. May God's love comfort you and hold you close. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lynn Deering

December 6, 2007

Dear Christina, Abby and Nick,

I was so very sorry to hear about Barry. He was such a nice man and a truly devoted father. It was it great pleasure having known him and being your neighbor. Please know that you are in our thoughts.

Karen Maurer (Susie and Dale's Sister)

December 6, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Sonja Damazio

December 6, 2007

Dear Nelson Family,
I was deeply saddened to just see the obituary for your husband and father, Barry. My son, David, was in Abby's kindergarten class with her at East Mesa Charter School. I remember seeing him everyday picking her up from school and how close they seemed to be. No child should have to endure such a tragedy at such a young age. I am truly sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers.

Anna Winans

December 6, 2007

Christina, Nicholas, Abigail and family,
I've worked with Barry for a long time and have always enjoyed talking with him. I will miss seeing Barry's smiling face. With my deepest concern and sympathy for your family.

Jimmy & Kaye Eccles

December 6, 2007

Dear Christie, Norma and family, Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your time of great loss. We send you our love to help give you strength to bear your sorrrow. Our love and prayers are with all of you. Love, Jimmy & Kaye Eccles, Gary & Susie Eccles, Tom & Cherry Bailey

STACY HARTMAN

December 6, 2007

Dear Abby and The Nelson Family,
I would like to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you, Abby, and your family. Words can't express how much my heart breaks for you and your family. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold on tight to your memories, they are what will help you through this terrible time. Take comfort in knowing that you have an amazing guardian angel watching over you now. Please let me know if there is anything at all that I can do for your family.
With Sympathy and Love,
Stacy Hartman
Abby's First Grade Teacher

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