Nelson Walter Westrin

Nelson Walter Westrin Grand Ledge, MI Age 61, died on May 28, 2008 in the loving presence of his family. He was born on June 2, 1946 to Walter and Josephine (Densmore) Westrin who have preceded him in death. Surviving Nelson is his loving wife and best friend of 39 years, Carole; their three children, Catherine, James (Heather) and Brian; treasured grandchildren, Dylan and Alyson; sister, Mary Jo (Virgil) Glew and their children, Virgil, Renai, Benjamin and Culum; mother-in-law, Helen Crafton; brother and sisters-in-law: Kay and Mike O'Meara, Judy and Dave Moody, Barb and Mike Radigan, Sr. Nancy Crafton, John and Mary Lu Crafton, Mary Jo and Gale Gillilland, Jean and Tom Pettengill, Kris and David Glew, Jim and Bridgette Crafton; and several nieces and nephews. To say that Nelson was a good family man is an understatement. He was loved, respected, and admired not only by his family but by friends, neighbors, co-workers and all who knew him. To say that Nelson was a faith-filled man would also be an understatement. The way he chose to live his life in the light of Christian values is a testimony to his deep faith and firm convictions as a man, a husband, a father, a friend and in his chosen career as a lawyer. Nelson had a deep respect for the value and the depth of the written word and for the preservation of truth. He was strong-willed and incredibly loyal in all aspects of his life and his work. As a power lifter of heavy weights, when he was not lifting weights he was busy lifting the spirits of those around him. Nelson's compassion and empathy for people and his understanding of the human condition was amazing. A lifelong Lansing resident, he graduated in 1964 from O'Rafferty High School. Nelson graduated Cum Laude from Michigan State University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law in 1974. He began his career with the Ingham County Prosecutors Office as a criminal trial attorney. From 1977-1984 Nelson served in the Michigan Department of Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit as a criminal trial prosecutor. In 1984 he moved to the Lottery and Racing Division and provided legal counsel and representation to the Governor regarding Tribal-State Class III gaming. In 1993 Governor John Engler chose Nelson to be the State of Michigan Racing Commissioner. In 1996 Nelson was asked to be in charge of regulating the newly authorized casino gaming industry and shortly thereafter he was appointed as the Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. He served in that capacity until 2004 when President Bush appointed him to the National Indian Gaming Commission where he served as Vice Chairman. Most recently he had begun a very successful practice with the Honigman Miller Law Firm. He was well known and an exceptionally well liked member of the Lansing business and legal community. Nelson was a respected scholar in his field and will be sorely missed. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow Street, Lansing. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 2nd from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. If desired, it is the family's request that memorial contributions be made to Ele's Place, 1145 W. Oakland Avenue, Lansing, MI 48915 in honor of Nelson. Well done good and faithful servant, may the angels lead you into paradise and may you have everlasting peace.