Husband and Father. Scientist, Physician and Teacher.
Born April 19, 1941 to Donald Piper Nelson and Marjorie Trew Nelson, preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Jr. and sister Joanne. Survived by his wife Colleen, sons Eric, Geoffrey (Susie) and Christian, sister Melissa (Tom). Grandpa to Patience, Merlin, Nash and Bowie. Uncle to Alex, Cynthia, Sheila, Simon, Kathy and JoAnn. To countless medical students, Teacher.
Alumni of Admiral Farragut Academy, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Medical School, Fred’s career spanned the country from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington DC to the University of California at San Diego to Michigan’s Henry Ford Medical Center. A prolific researcher, retirement only slightly slowed down his research work, focused on understanding the basic science behind his patients’ needs and developing ever-improving standards of care as an orthopedic surgeon.
Ever the teacher, working with medical students was among the greatest joys of his profession. That passion for teaching was at his core, at the hospital, teaching Sunday School or with his Cub Scout Troop 1148. Having literally written the book on Orthopedic Terminology (9 editions), and published in 170 medical school programs, perhaps his favorite writing project was 13 years worth of Basic Science Tip of the Week. He never did stop; his final publication being sent off in his last week. Even in death, he donated his body to medical research.
Fred was active with the Henry Ford Investigational Review Board (IRB), Orthopedic Research Society (Fellow, Scientific Communications Committee), medical journal reviewer for various major publications, the International Cartilage Research Society and Wayne State University Medical School, as mentor and associate professor.
Fred was an avid runner, with several marathons under his belt. Never one to do anything halfway, he loved travel, learning, great food and most of all his family. He set good examples for all of us by committing to care, to the love of his family, and by only acting his age if he felt like it. He has left a hole in our hearts that only his memory could ever fill. We love you still, Fred. A celebration of his life is planned for April 9, 2022, details to come. We will be gathering in the Spring to remember Fred; in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to https://www.arthritis.org/donate . Rest in Christ.
In carrying out his final wishes, Dr. Nelson's body will be donated to University of Michigan Medical School. A memorial will be held at a later time.
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