Les NELSON Obituary
It is with deep sadness, the family announces the passing of Leslie William Nelson on August 22, 2014.
Les will be sadly missed and forever lovingly remembered by his two sons and three daughters, Stewart (Wendy), Karen (Craig) Maitland, Ross, Denise Kay, and Ann (Ralph) Godfrey; 15 grandchildren who were so special to him, Michael, Jennifer, Sarah, Emily, and Amy; Logan and Kier; Chris (Michelle), Shauna, and Katie; Troy and Tracy; Sean, Ben, and Kyle; four great- grandchildren, Kyla and Rayna; Parker and Oskar; and numerous other family and friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife Carrie, his brother Harold and sister Laverne.
Les graduated from University of Alberta in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He spent most of his professional life at the helm of Solar Construction before retiring in the 1990's. Les was a well-respected development and construction professional in Alberta, Yukon and N.W.T., and was a Life Member of APEGGA.
His volunteer involvement with swimming started in the early 60s and continued for over 30 years, with Swimming Canada recognizing Les in 1987 with a Life Time Membership Award. His two most significant international responsibilities were as the Chairman and Competition Director for Swimming and Diving at the 1978 XI Commonwealth Games and as the Chairman of Aquatics for the 1983 World University Games.
In 1995 Les was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder in honour of his accomplishments with swimming as a Master Official on deck and a member of many Executive boards.
The family would like to thank the Allen Gray Continuing Care Centre staff for the care and compassion provided to our Dad.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9009 – 163 Street, Edmonton. If desired, donations can be made to the Gray House Guild, 5005 28th Ave., Edmonton, T6L7G1
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
22 Entries
August 23, 2015
To all the Nelson family
Les keeps popping into my mind at different times during the past year. inevitably the thought goes to his contributions to the world of competitive swimming. I do remember though that he gave me one of my first jobs. It was using a scythe to clear a yard full of 2-3 ft weeds next to his office on 156 St. Over the years we had many chats about the NWT and his building contracts there. LaVern would often call me "Les" and then correct herself. I was told it had to do with being a tease.
A special man with a great legacy.
Love to all the family.
Dwight Hillas
Rod Fallow
November 5, 2014
Our thoughts are with all of you. I have many great memories of the many years at Pigeon Lake with your mom and dad. You are blessed to have had such wonderful parents. Rod Fallow
November 3, 2014
To the nelson family
sorry to hear about les he will be missed all our best
from adrian and shelley fallow
September 2, 2014
To the Nelson family,
My mom, Grace McMillan, was a neighbour of Les and Carrie. They were both so kind and generous to us and our children who would often go down the street to play when visiting Grandma.
They both will be fondly remembered.
Lorraine Balen and family
Drayton Valley
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don polinski
September 1, 2014
Les was a good man, I enjoyed working with him.
Michelle Tymchuk
August 29, 2014
Denise and Family:
My thougths and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Terry Degaust
August 28, 2014
Karen
I was very sad to hear of the loss of your father, he was a very kind man. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Terry (Flowers) Degaust
August 27, 2014
Karen, Craig & family.....our deep condolences on your loss....we've been there.....you are in our thoughts & our prayers.
Art & Doreen Staniland
August 27, 2014
To the Family of Les Nelson:
We knew Mr. Nelson, through his Brother, Harold, who was a patient at the Edmonton Cardiac Institute.
Always a gentleman and a good community
leader.
Dr. Talibi and staff.
August 27, 2014
Very sadden to hear about the passing of Les, he was a wonderful mentor and leader in the Edmonton/world swimming community and was instrumental in getting many families involved in the joy of swimming throughout Canada . Thanks and RIP – The Looye Family
Christine Hillas
August 26, 2014
I'll always think of Uncle Les and Aunt Carrie with great fondness. And as Pat has said - there are many special memories from occasions at the family home and the cabin at Ma-Me-O. With Love and heartfelt sympathy to each of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
1928 Harold, LaVern, Les Nelson - outside their home that later burned down
Christine Hillas
August 26, 2014
1934 - Harold, LaVern, Les Nelson
Christine Hillas
August 26, 2014
1997 - Harold, Les, LaVern Nelson
Christine Hillas
August 26, 2014
1980 Les, Emma (Mom, Gram), Harold, LaVern (Hillas)
Christine Hillas
August 26, 2014
1925 Oscar & Emma Nelson with Harold, Les, and LaVern
Christine Hillas
August 26, 2014
Bud Dixon
August 26, 2014
I remember Les as one of the very nice officials in the swimming world.He invited the out of town coaches to his home for a barbecue after a number of swim meets. R.I.P. Les after a well lived life
Deanna
August 26, 2014
Thank you to Les's lovely family for allowing me to spend time with your father; a sweet gentle man.
Pat Hillas-Chorney
August 25, 2014
It's a long time ago, but I have wonderful, dear memories of family gatherings with Uncle Les, Aunt Carrie and the cousins, both in Edmonton for special occasions and Ma-Me-O for a swim, boat ride or marshmallows. You could be sure to be teased by Uncle Les while Aunt Carrie lovingly scolded him, both with a smile in their eyes. He kept that twinkle and spark in him throughout his life - passing it on to his children. He was always a special man with a special place in my heart. Love to the family.
Rest in Peace Uncle Les. xo
Laura Gourlay
August 25, 2014
I remember Uncle Les as a guy who had fun making sure we all had fun at the lake when our family visited. I have so many happy memories of special-occasion family dinners. His generosity, his laugh, his legacy - all will be dearly remembered. Love to my cousins.
August 25, 2014
He will be sadly missed by all of us.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Nelson Family.
Mike & Lillian Collins & family
Vancouver Island BC.
Lisa Hladik
August 25, 2014
Uncle Les is remembered as a cool cat. Be in peace, smart man. My mother Enez wishes to extend her sympathies to her nieces and nephews too.
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16310 STONY PLAIN RD , Edmonton, AB T5P 4A6
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