Norman Oliver Nelson

NELSON

Norman Nelson, of Rimbey, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2018 at the age of 103.  He was born at home on January 26, 1915 at Burdett, the third oldest of nine children.  After finishing grade 8, he went to work farming at home and helping neighbors during the depression.  Norman started farming with horses and finished farming with John Deere tractors.  On November 16, 1940 Norman married Esther Rasmussen of Bow Island.  They lived on a farm at Burdett where their daughter Geraldine was born. In Grassy Lake he worked at the coal tipple and when residing on a farm north of Bow Island their son Dale was born.

In 1953 they bought a farm at Hoadley where they enjoyed mixed farming and milked cows to supplement their income.  Norman loved raising quarter horses.  Fond memories were of: playing cards (especially 500), curling, shuffleboard and the auction mart on Tuesdays.  In 1997 Norman and Esther sold the farm and moved to a house in Rimbey. Norman resided in his own home until January 2018.   Norman enjoyed a good game of pool and a beer right up until he was 102. “Shake the hand that shook the world”.  Norman is survived by his daughter Geraldine and Jack Pike; 5 grandchildren; Doug Mann (Tammie), Yvonne Mann (Doug), Roger Mann (Shawn), Blaine Pike (Sasha), Susie Harder (Roy) as well as 12 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren also two sister-in-laws, Ella and Linda Nelson.  Norman was predeceased by his wife Esther, his son Dale, and his son-in-law Raymond Mann as well as by all his brothers: Walter, Morris, Vern and Merle and sisters: Myrtle, Evelyn, Vivian and Violet.

 Funeral services were held from Wilson’s Funeral Chapel in Rimbey on Monday April 9, 2018 with Pastor Dennis Braun officiating. Interment followed in the West Haven Cemetery in Rimbey.  We would like to thank Cherie and Cory Johns and family as well as the staff at Rimbey home care, Rimbey hospital and the Good Samaritan Society Clearwater Center for their compassion and care.

If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to S.T.A.R.S 1441 Aviation Park NE. Box 570 Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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