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NORMAN L. NELSON

FUNERAL HOME

Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring

500 University Blvd. West

Silver Spring, Maryland

NORMAN NELSON Obituary

NORMAN L. NELSON "Ric" (Age 73)
On Monday, January 14, 2013, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of Caryn S. Nelson; father of Kristen Kane (Rick), Dawn Daly (Tom) and Heather Bruns (Jonathan); grandfather of Kendall, Molly, Kylie, Kevin, Michael, Ava and Brooke; brother of Christine Cunningham. Relatives and friends may call at St. Bernadette's Church, 72 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring, MD, Thursday, 5:30 to 8 p.m. where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 18 at 1 p.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family suggest contributions to Montgomery Preservation, Inc., B&O Station, P.O. Box 4661, Rockville, MD 20849-4661 or www.montgomerypreservation.org/BOStation.html www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for NORMAN NELSON

55 Entries

Wade Rice

January 10, 2020

This is a January, 2020 update to what I said about Norman a few years ago upon his passing.

Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about Norman. Whenever I see anything about the B&O RR going through Silver Spring, Rockville, or anywhere else in the Washington, DC area, nearly always he comes to mind. His numerous stories about his times on the B&O always made the history of that railroad all the more fascinating. Such stories he told make an individual all the more valuable to peoples' memories and lives.

Bill & Alma Breazeale

February 5, 2013

Hey man! This is a big shock. I was listening to WSM for a big tribute to Eddie Stubbs when I got the word about your passing. Listening to this 2 ½ hour tribute was appropriate considering he is a good friend to both of us. Who am I going to play music with? The old Johnny & Jack tunes with you on the seven string dobro and singing lead. We were like two little kids. We would go somewhere together to pick, checkout a railroad somewhere, both operating and abandoned. The big enjoyment was the conversation we had on the above topics and others. You really had a lot of knowledge on many subjects and you shared them with me. We really had a wonderful time together. For this I am grateful. You were my best friend and I sure am going to miss you. Someday, we'll pick again!

William Hopkins

February 1, 2013

Ric often stopped by my house for a "5 minute" visit (he was always busy with other projects) to pickup or drop off RR items. Our "5 minute" meetings invaribly always extended into an hour or two! I'm sure going to miss those "5 minute" visits.

Betsy Davis

January 25, 2013

The Robert Davis family sends our deepest symapthy to the Nelson family. We were blessed to have know Rick for many years and treasured his wonderful stories of the train station and Mr. D. We were so lucky that Rick was a great friend to our dad. He was a big man full of life and will be truly missed..

Duane Carrell

January 22, 2013

So little I can add to what has already been said, but it was a privilege to call Norm a friend. We emailed nearly every day. The world doesn't seem the same without him. I know that you feel it that much more. My deepest sympathies to all of you.

Jeffrey Peck

January 20, 2013

My son and I had the pleasure of meeting Ric through our train displays at the Silver Spring Station. He was a wealth of knowledge, a true gentleman and an unequalled raconteur... I'm sure he's somewhere now holding court saying "hold on, I got another one..."

Roger Williams

January 20, 2013

My Condolences, Prayers and Thoughts Are Wit You In This Time of Great Sadness and Loss. Thank You For Sharing Stories and Memories Of A Life Well Lived. O:-)

David Manning

January 19, 2013

Norm was a great guy and a very good friend, who always had a good joke and a great story to tell. He had a vast knowledge of both railroads and local history that he was always willing to share. I can hardly believe he is gone and I'll miss him. My condolences to his family. We are all the richer for having know him. Goodbye Norm.

Paul and Sharon Smith

January 19, 2013

Dear Caryn,
Paul and I knew Ric while attending MJC
and we hung out with the "POT" group. We fondly recall the many parties held in the basement of Ric's home. Such good times! He was a good friend and had a great sense of humor. He also had a good shoulder to lean on if you needed one. We attended his funeral yesterday and thought it was beautiful. Our hearts go out to you, your children and those
precious grandchildren. May God help you through these difficult times in the coming months ahead.

Sue Fedor

January 19, 2013

Thank you, Ric, for everything you did for Save Our Seminary at Forest Glen and for the entire Silver Spring community. Your legacy of preservation and history will live on.

Don Kirkley

January 18, 2013

Ric and I go back to the days when we were students at the University of Maryland. Happily, we managed to keep in touch for many years thereafter. I cannot recall a single time in all those years when he was not upbeat and optimistic. He had a way of making you smile, just by being around him, and because he had such wide-ranging interests, there was always something to talk about. He will be much missed.

Ron and Kitty Hurley

January 18, 2013

Caryn and family, We were so saddened to hear that Ric had passed. We have so many great memories from the "good old days" and all the fun we all had. His funeral was a beautiful tribute to a special man.

January 18, 2013

My condolences to the Nelson family on the loss of Norman. He was such an entertaining fellow at Tractioneers meetings. I appreciated his knowledge of the street car era in Washington.

Sincerely,

Jim Hogan, Washington, D.C.

January 18, 2013

Caryn and family,

Such great memories of you and Ric with our family! Daddy's old office was one of the best! Praying that God will comfort you all in these next days. Much love, Judy (Kirkpatrick)

Rick Peterson

January 18, 2013

My sincere condolences to Ric's family. He is someone I never met, yet his commentary on B&O Railroad operations over the years made me one of his biggest fans. We are grateful that he shared his knowledge with us.

jerald (Jerry) Lewis

January 17, 2013

Rick was a good friend and I will miss him. I spent much time with Rick at WETA. My heart goes out to his family.

January 17, 2013

Will miss Ric in my Bluegrass travels as he was a great Musician and friend! What a great story teller! My condolences to his family and friends for such a great loss. We will miss him at our Woodmen Bluegrass Nights every Thursday.
Buck & Debbie Fisher

January 17, 2013

To Nelson's family; My sincere condolences...He was a genuinely sweet and good man...

January 17, 2013

Ric was a great guy and always had a great story to tell... he'll be missed.
Matt Levine

January 17, 2013

To the Nelson Family: When Rick played music at Woodman of the World Bluegrass,
he always entered with a smile on his face. He loved playing and singing and yes, he threw in a story every now and then and we think we was so tickled to tell his stories, as were enjoyed by all. Keep your memories.
Tommy and Carolyn Bussard

January 17, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nelson family at this time.
Tommy and Shirley Auldridge

Woodman of the World Bluegrass Lodge #1

January 17, 2013

We always enjoyed your playing; we will miss you. Your friends from Woodman of the World Bluegrass, Lodge #1, Hagerstown, Md.
Rest in Peace.

Pat Stephens

January 17, 2013

I am very saddened that my music buddy is gone. We shared a love of the good old country music...and specifically Patsy Cline. Over the past year Ric helped me with my research and postings of Patsy. He was always eager to share his many stories and I was just as eager to soak them up. When we got together to jam, it was mostly the old country stuff. He was a great guy and I will miss him very much! My heartfelt sympathy to his family!

January 17, 2013

To dear Heather and Family,
I send my prayers and condolences. It is clear that Normal L. Nelson was quite loved and will be so missed by all the lives he touched.
With love,
Judy Warshof

Paul Donovan

January 17, 2013

I used to jam with Ric quite often at Tim Finch's music store in Deale, Maryland, on Friday nights. I fondly remember Ric and his pal Bill singing "I'll Break Out Tonight," which Ric jokingly called the "acne song." Upon my prompting, he told me of his exploits playing with a young Patsy Cline in the 1960s. I didn't play mandolin very well in those days, but Ric always was kind enough to allow me to solo on his songs, and he graciously encouraged me to sing. I will miss him very much.

January 16, 2013

I met Norm a few times at the train show in Timonium and always looked foreward to his stories, lessions, and explanation about his B&O Railroad. He was always willing to share his knowlage with any one who asked. As I rmemeber him, I could say that the only friends he didn't have were the one"s that he hadn't met. To the family, thanks for alowing us to share him with you. Jack M Roe, Virginia Beach, VA.

Don Barnes

January 16, 2013

A great story teller. A great railfan. A great friend. I will miss him.

MCP Alumni Assoc.

January 16, 2013

Ric retired from the Montgomery County Police Department after a distinguished career. He was an outstanding officer and will be remembered by citizens and officers alike.

Clare Kirkpatrick

January 16, 2013

Oh this is so sad to hear Charlie Mouse. So many memories of you & Ric from
My Childhood. You will always be a part of our Family. My love & condolences.

David Vartanoff

January 16, 2013

While we only met in person once, the email conversation was very pleasant over the years. My condolences to all of his kin, he will be missed.

January 16, 2013

My deepest comdolences to a great guy from a fellow WB&A fan!

Barry G. Smith

Terry

January 16, 2013

Worked with Rick at WETA. Rick had a passion for people & life. He will be missed.

Phil and Julie Caswell

January 16, 2013

So very sorry to hear of Ric's passing. Phil has known Ric for many years and will miss him and their conversations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dar & Beth Silver

January 16, 2013

Our hearts are with you as you cherish and celebrate Ric's life. We have so many fond memories of our dear friend and WETA colleague. His warmth, generosity and sense of humor made Ric the guy we always looked forward to seeing the most everyday. Dar remembers best those inevitable words "Hey, I got a good one for ya!" Beth will never forget his smile and big welcome just for picking up tapes in Air Ops. And that's how Ric made all of us feel - special just for stopping by. He is loved and missed.

Frieda Weldon

January 16, 2013

Worked with Ric many years at WETA. I will always remember our many, long conversations. RIP my friend.

RICHARD GRANT

January 16, 2013

RIC WAS A REALLY GUY, I FIRST MET HIM IN SILVER SPRINGS DURING MAY/JUNE 2007 ON A NUMBER OF OCCASSIONS, HE WAS VERY HELPFUL,I ALSO CORRESPONDED WITH BY E-MAIL.

DICK GRANT

January 16, 2013

PLEASE SEND MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO RIC'S FAMILY. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND TO ME WHEN I MET HIM ON A NUMBER OF OCCASSIONS DURING MAY/JUNE 2007, I ALSO CORRESPONDED WITH HIM BY E-MAIL ON MANY OCCASSIONS.
DICK GRANT - LONDON, ENGLAND

Bob Cohen

January 16, 2013

What a true loss to all who knew him. He always had that special smile, a funny story and so much more to share. The likes of him will not pass this way again for we have lost a true friend and giant of a human being. Rest in peace.

Bob Cohen

Bill Seabrook

January 16, 2013

Working with Ric for many years at WETA, we also shared an interest in railroading and it's history. He helped my son achieve his Railroading merit badge for Boy Scouts, and hosted us on a B&A RR excursion. Ric was always happy to help others, and shared many of his experiences.

RIchard Pearlman

January 16, 2013

Condolences to the Nelson family for the loss of a wonderful man and great friend to my father, Ira Pearlman.

Gabrielle & Charlies Bernardo

January 16, 2013

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. Nelson really was one in a million. I always loved seeing him at parties and listening to crazy stories about his life, music and family - like the time he wrote on his twins foreheads in permanent marker so he could tell them apart ;) He was so fun to be around - full of life and with a special zest. Having been through this with my father, I can promise he will always be honored and remembered in the legacy he's passed on to his wonderful family. The love and support of your friends and family will carry you through this difficult time. We love you!

January 16, 2013

THis is sad,Ric was our friend,played many a song with him friday nights at the Gooddeale Bluegrass shop.Miss those days, and Ric was great guy.

Tim and Savannah Finch

Dick Kotulak

January 16, 2013

To the Nelson Family:
My sympathies are with the whole Nelson Family. Norman will be missed. As a member of the Tractioneers, he always had a story to tell about the streetcar systems in the Washington and Baltimore areas. In addition, he was quite an expert on the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis electric line and it's successor, the Baltimore and Annapolis. Rest in peace. You won't be forgotten.

Laurence Hampton

January 16, 2013

My deepest sympathies on his passing.He was always friendly.Norman loved the B&O RR and the WB&A Electric Ry.Me and Frank Tosh knew him.

Dick Spottswood

January 16, 2013

I went to Ric again and again over the years when I needed someone with his knowledge and understanding of music history. His wisdom was exceeded only by his generosity--Ric offered friendship, wisdom and support to his many friends in Washington's music community. They'll miss Ric a lot, and so will I.

January 16, 2013

To the Nelson Family,
I extend my condolences to all of you for the loss of Rick. Rick and I were colleagues at WETA and I enjoyed so much his stories of all the different jobs he had worked over the years and the lessons he had learned but the very best stories were the ones he told us of "his girls" as they were growing up. When he left WETA, I remember that all of you came to his retirement going away party and how happy he was to be around you and the grandchildren. Rick was a special guy and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Susanne Kersey

Chuck Hatfield

January 16, 2013

So Sorry for your loss, just recently sat with Ric for a while, so sorry..

Russ Hooper

January 16, 2013

My sympathies go out to the Nelson family. Ric was a music buddy of mine and he will be surely missed. RIP my friend.

Dan McKenrick

January 16, 2013

I worked with Norman at WETA. He always treated me with the highest level of professionalism and personal courtesy. He had my highest respect. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Nelson family.

Nicholas Fry

January 16, 2013

I was deeply saddened to hear of Norm's passing this week. Norm had been a very good friend since he started attending work sessions at the B&O Railroad Historical Society. He was always kind, helpful and had a story to tell. It was my great honor to be his friend and I will miss him terribly. My prayers go out to his family.

January 16, 2013

To the Nelson Family;
My condolences for the loss of a good man, in Norman. As a member of the B&O Historical Society, we will miss his wealth of first hand knowledge, which we always respected and admired. Norman could bring up things from his early days, as if they were yesterday. I don't know if he had notes or just that good a memory, but what he knew, you couldn't get out of a book. Unfortunately that book is now closed. I thank the Lord for allowing me to meet Norman and to read the many posts that he made to the Yahoo Group. May the Lord send his blessings on your house at this sorrowful time.
Bruce Elliott

Wendy Ryan

January 16, 2013

Dear Kristin and family: Bob and I want to offer our sympathies to all of you and to let you know that we are praying for all of you. Please let Cheri know if there is anything that we can do to help you at this time.

Pat Haley

January 16, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are the Nelson family.

Wade Rice

January 16, 2013

I will always remember Norman as a very positive light-hearted guy who loved to share his experiences with me and others on the B&O Railroad. Also, I don't think I could find any Grandpa as dedicated to his grandchildren as he seemed to be. May he rest in peace.

Mary Sue & Dale Tompkins

January 16, 2013

Caryn, we are saddened to hear of Ric's passing. We remembered all the fun times we had at Ric's at MJC and such an unusual group that has stayed in touch all these years. Ric was always a cut-up and entertaining as I remember. We will be thinking of you and your family on Friday.

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