Bruce Nelson Obituary
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Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Kenny Vanderburg
January 21, 2023
Reed Nelson was a wonderful friend from our Air Force days at Scott AFB Illinois.
Bonnie Showerman, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel
January 6, 2019
My heart is broken and heavy this morning learning of the passing of Reed. I sent him a new years greeting last week and never heard back from him which seemed strange. I decided to google him and saw his obituary. I'm devastated! I sold Reed his home in Grosse Pointe Park in 2015. From the first day I met him my life was changed! I've never laughed so hard and looked so forward to working with someone as much as I did Reed. Showing him 25+ houses and stopping for lunches and dinners and learning about his military past, his love for his dogs etc. I can still hear that distinctive voice and laugh of his. I feel so honored to have met such an amazing human being.
Esther Reynolds
October 11, 2018
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the Nelson family. Reed always had a smile and made me laugh. He was one of the best and will be deeply missed.
Belinda Brown-Tezera
October 6, 2018
Bruce, thank you for your service to our nation and our veterans . Thank you for being a wonderful friend and professional colleague. Thank you for the hugs, smiles and love.
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Denis Appel
October 5, 2018
Thank You Brother for having served your friends, family and country. May Twizzlers always be near your side.
Toysan Jennings
October 5, 2018
With my deepest sympathy to the Nelson Family. Reed was a very special friend/co-worker to me. I spoke with when is mother passed away, and now him. He's gone to soon, but he will never ever be forgotten. My heart hurts, because I couldn't even say goodbye. We use to call our relationship husband/wife in another life. Because I loved him just that much. Such a classy, funny, Handsome man. My prayers are with your family. Thank you for sharing him with me at the VA Medical Center, Co-Worker, Friend, Forever
I'man Holmes
October 5, 2018
My condolences to Bruce's family and my prayers are with you all. Reed was the sunshine to my work life, he would always make me smile and he had a great sense of humor. You were also great as a friend and always given me great advise when I talked to you about anything. I'm still in total shock and disbelief about you leaving so soon. You will truly be missed.
Pat Lange Lange
October 4, 2018
I went to the viewing at the funeral home tonight and what a blessing. Upon approaching the room, you could hear animated conversations, laughter and genuine love for everyone's friend, whom we no longer have. When I looked at those smiling pics, I could almost hear that crazy laugh. What a dear friend. My life is certainly richer because his path crossed my life many years ago at the APVAMC. Prayers to Bruce/Reed's family. Now they two big holes in their hearts. My prayer is that those holes made by Kay and Reed are filled with precious memories, after the grief lessens. You will be missed, dear friend.
Ellen Bernard-Buie
October 4, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the Nelson family. I knew Reed's mother, Kay, and to loose him so soon after her death is unimaginable. The Downriver Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will remember him and his mother in our prayers, as will I personnally.
Margie Hopkins
October 4, 2018
Reed, you will be missed. I always enjoyed our conversations. You were a very kind and funny individual that had a lot of insight to others feelings and well being. You were taken away to soon. RIP!
Yvonne Wesley
October 4, 2018
My condolences to the family. I share your sadness of heart. I too knew him as "Reed", at Detroit VAMC. He saw the best in me & stepped in to defend me. We shared memories of our Mothers as they journeyed through their sickness. He was very helpful like that. Always sharing his knowledge about life's battles. His smile and thoughtfulness will be missed.
Karen MacDonald
October 4, 2018
Bruce, I hope you can truly see now how you truly changed the world, and I know I am a better person for knowing you. Thank you for your unending dedication to MDA camp. It just will never be the same without you. And thank you for your service to our country. Your life was always about giving to others. All I can say is, job well done, my friend. Go fly high.
Markita Ridley
October 3, 2018
A good man gone too soon, to the family you will be in my prayers. I worked at the VA with him. He always made me laugh.
Jeanette Varanelli or "Dr. V"
October 3, 2018
Our friend was known as "Reed" at Detroit VAMC and he always made my day! Awesome co-worker, nurse, Veteran, and source of support to his patients. Reed gave more than 100% wherever he was asked to assist. Miss you much and I will continue to hear your laughter and see your smile! Condolences to the family at this extremely difficult time and many blessings from God be upon Reed!
Shonie D
October 3, 2018
Such a great spirit. Reed's smile was so contagious and I could always expect a hug with some kind of humor when I saw him. He will truly be missed, he was a great friend and co-worker.
Diana Ivory
October 2, 2018
A good guy, I work with Reed at Detroit's VA hospital. May
God Bless his family and friends in this time of bereavement.
Jacqueline Ford
October 2, 2018
Condolences to Bruce read Nelson's family. Reed was such a loving person, he always had a smile whenever you saw him and he was always joking around. I'm going to miss that. Rest in Heaven my friend, Rest in Heaven.
Julie Wilson
October 2, 2018
So saddened by this news. Reed was a special person and a good friend. I will truly miss him.
Tonora Shannon
October 2, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Family of my Friend Reed, my heart was heavy, and the tears flowed, saying good bye is hard, but you will always be in my heart so it will never be good bye... Praying for your Family, and Friends to get though this time.
Alan Ramsay
October 2, 2018
Reed was always such a bright light when he entered a room. One of the best administrators I have had the pleasure of working with. He is missed and will continue to be. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace!
Jana Newton
October 2, 2018
When you looked at Bruce, you saw so much of life in one person, or how life is supposed to be lived. True to the self; he lived with no regret; and his love, oh his love! If Bruce cared about you, there weren't many others who could care for you more, if any; it wasn't humanly possible. It was this force. This force that you'd never be without, even when the most amount of miles separated you. Now, sides of life may separate, but that force is the same.
Dearest Family of Bruce: I lift you up in thought and hope.
Donna Coughran
October 2, 2018
Reed you will be deeply missed. Not many people know this, but you changed my life forever. You meet me for the first time as I was visiting a friend that worked at the VA. We hit it off right away. Your smile and sense of humor was not to be ignored. You offered me a job and I took it. Unfortunately you had left that position at the VA before I started, but you always carme down to check on me. We became instant friends. On my first day of work at the VA, I met the man of my dreams, I told you and you said oh he is a good catch, you go for it girl so of course I did and here I am now 15 years later, married to that man with a beautiful daughter. You have changed our lives forever. We will love and cherish you for all that you have done for us and this world. Rest In Peace my dear friend and I will see you again
Mary Detroit VAMC
October 2, 2018
Reed, I will miss you. Thank you for the laughter and assistance.
Verna Snedacar
October 2, 2018
To the family of Reed (as we called him at the VA) He was an outstanding employee always friendly to everyone. He will truly be missed around here.
Brenda West
October 2, 2018
I only met him once, and I was blessed with his spirit and happiness. As soon as we started talking, he made me feel as if we were friends for a long time. God Bless him. My sincere condolences to his family.
INETTE SLATON
October 2, 2018
I'll always remember our first encounter when I messed up your order - and how gentle, patient and tolerant your were with me with correcting it...and after that you always made it a point to ask me what'd I learn today :-). I am honored to have known you as such a caring & kind person. - Inette S. Coworker, Clawson, MI
Laura Klotz
October 2, 2018
There are no words to express how much we are going to miss you.....Your smile would always make me happy even when I was down. We will never have the same connecting yards again but will always have our memories and stories to tell... Its hard to look at the house now knowing Kay and you are no longer there... Miss you my friend :( Till we meet again !! Love you forever and to the moon and back XOXO
Lorraine D.
October 2, 2018
My heart aches in knowing that such a beautiful spirit has left this world. You were a burst of sunshine whenever you walked in my office and I always looked forward to your infectious hug and the laughter that came along with it. You will be missed my friend. May God embrace you in His arms as he welcomes you Home.
Mendel H
October 2, 2018
RIP Reed you will be missed it was a pleasure to work with you at the VA you always was very helpful to me and the IT staff May God be with you and your family during this time.
Trudy Gargala
October 2, 2018
Reed, I cannot believe that I will never again have some of those hilarious conversations with you. You definitely had an influence on Chris's decision to become a nurse. You were always a champion for the veteran. Both Chris and I will miss you very much. RIP
Lisa Olney
October 2, 2018
My friend I will miss your smile and your humor. ❤
Margie (Berrelez) Southers
October 2, 2018
Reed, you will be dearly missed. Will miss your wonderful and fun personality and so grateful for the kindness you showed towards my Mom in her later years. Roland has lost a dear friend and partner and we are heartbroken. Rest in peace friend.
rosie whitcher appel
October 2, 2018
How do we even put into words what Bruce meant to everyone at MDA/VAD camp? He was the kind of person you never forgot. He made everyone feel like they were his best friend. He was a superhero to everyone and he gave it his all. There will be a hole in our camp family that can't be filled.
Jackie Weisman
October 2, 2018
I worked with Reed for many years, he definitely was part of the "VA Family". I will miss the hug you always gave when we saw each other, I'll miss that great smile you have and the funny little stories you told. So sorry I never go to see the great renovations you did on your house that you told me about. God Speed. I will never forget you.
Frankie Lane
October 2, 2018
Rest in peace Bruce . My Condolences to the family.
Melissa Piscitelli
October 2, 2018
Reed was a great man, wonderful nurse, and special friend! I will miss you My condolences to the family on both of your losses.
Joyce Wofford
October 2, 2018
Reed, I had only known you for several months yet it seemed we had known each other so much longer. I will truly miss our personal jokes, your bow tie's and of course your smile. Be at peace my friend.
Carolyn Molnar
October 1, 2018
Reed was a big part of our (my daughter and mine) lives over the years. Will treasure the memories of music at Greenfield Village, plays that we went to, visiting with him and his mother at home...and the way he loved his (and our) dogs. Always a smile, I loved talking to him and will miss him terribly.
Chrissy Horton
October 1, 2018
Reed you where such a beautiful person and I am greatful for all of our time together. You where hands down one of the best nursing supervisors I've ever had. May God bless your soul, just as you have blessed so many others. Love you always. Trouble aka Chrissy
Cindy LaForest
October 1, 2018
Rest in peace, my friend. You have been my mentor, my support system, my hero. I will miss you terribly.
Rod Justice
October 1, 2018
A life well lived. RIP my friend.
Stacey Miller
October 1, 2018
Bruce was a great person. We had so many great memories at camp. He will be missed an never forgotten. RIP Bruce
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