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Robert Nelson Obituary
March 15, 1930 - October 24, 2023
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Robert Norman Nelson, at his home in Moraga CA.
Bob grew up in Grand Fork N Dakota and graduated from the University of North Dakota where he met the love of his life, Joyce Thompson. Bob received his MD from GWU in 1956. He went on to establish his OBGYN practice at Samuel Merritt Hospital in Oakland, where he became the chief of staff for Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was passionate about his work and continued to practice into his late 80's as a staunch advocate for women's health and a pioneer in menopause treatments.
Bob had so many hobbies - gourmet cooking, backpacking, fly fishing, golfing, photography, birding, storytelling, and making his family laugh. He organized epic annual backpacking trips in the Sierras into his late 80s. His passion for his hobbies was infectious and passed on to his daughter and grandchildren, who owe their relationship with the outdoors and cooking to him. He traveled around the world, first with his wife Joyce and later with their daughter and her family. Our final international expedition to Costa Rica delivered his long-desired sighting of the Resplendent Quetzal.
Above all, he loved his wife Joyce, daughter Kerri, son-in-law James, and 3 grandchildren Ryan, Cameron, and Mackenzie. He was such a wonderful, gentle, caring, thoughtful, and successful man. He was an extraordinary doctor and a special human being. He listened when you spoke and made you feel important & worthy. We will forever miss his warmth, wit & wisdom.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Nelson
Cheryl Brown
January 9, 2025
I am alive today because of Dr. Nelson despite having a prognosis of two weeks to two months to live! He diagnosed an extremely rare form of cancer, performed surgery and brought in a great oncologist. The staff at his office always called me their miracle patient. In those days, one had chemo as an inpatient. The nurses at Merritt Hospital tried to give me hope as I was only 30 years old then. They told me they knew what happened behind the scenes at the hospital and who was a great doctor and who wasn't. The greatest was Dr. Nelson, and they all chose him as their doctor too.
Many years later on my anniversary in 2018 I called Dr. Nelson's number and left a message. When he returned my call I said he probably didn't remember me. He replied, "Cheryl, I will never forget you and I will never forget your tumor. You were our miracle patient."
He was ALWAYS so kind and patient. He always took time to answer questions. He had a great sense of humor, especially when relating some tricks he played on his friends during backpacking trips (rocks in their pack and so on).
The world lost a truly great doctor who epitomized the highest of the profession. I am so grateful to have known him. R.I.P.
~ LS
October 24, 2024
Commemorating
Dr. NELSON on this
1st Anniversary
Remembrance Day . . .
Cherished, irreplaceable
40-year physician and friend,
I miss you dearly.
David Nepinsky
April 13, 2024
Rest in peace uncle bob
Joan L. Johnson (Herman)
March 24, 2024
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Nelson´s passing. He was an excellent physician who helped me greatly. I am still following the excellent instructions he gave me many years ago. May God bless him and his family at this time of separation, and may they find peace as learn of God´s plan of happiness which will enable them to be sealed together as a family forever.
Anne Sluis
February 19, 2024
I worked for Dr. Nelson's and Dr. Milliken's practice after graduating from nursing school. He was a warm and compassionate, a wonderful mentor. I've thought of both of them many times over the years. I will continue to treasure those memories.
Connie Shapiro
November 10, 2023
Oh, I am sooo terribly sad to hear that Bob has passed away! He was everything you described in his obituary; the gentlest, kindest, most caring, knowing and passionate doctor. He will be missed!!!
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