HANSON, Nelson (Nels) Gelert of Rossland died on August 29th, 2014. He was born March 24, 1937 in Regina.
Predeceased by his parents, Goodwin & Mary and his sister Eileen & husband Jack.
He is lovingly remembered by his family and many friends.
Joan, his wife of almost 53 years, beloved sons Stan (Koya) of Courtenay & Stephen of Winnipeg. He was “grumpa” to 4 grandchildren: Jeremy (Katie), Devon (Jamie), Tara (Jamie) and Freya. 6 great-grandchildren: Austin, Rylan, Stanton, Darius, Kerah and Kapri. His nephew Gord and great-nephew Lucas, great-niece Tatiana. Brother-in-law Doug (Tamara), sisters-in-law Lois (David) and Marie and their children and grandchildren.
He lived life to the fullest. His greatest joy was his family and friends.
His early years were spent in Kamloops and Barriere where he worked at logging and in the sawmills. He injured his hand in a sawmill accident at age 21. While rehabbing in Vancouver, he met his wife Joan. They later moved to Rossland and Nels worked at Cominco as a millwright and industrial pipe fitter. He was always involved in his family’s activities, being equipment man for Red Mountain Racers, maintenance man for St. Andrew’s United Church and very involved with Rossland Health Care Aux Thrift Shop repairs. He loved his cars and esp. the BMW’s and traveled to many car shows. Summers were spent at Christina Lake and winters at Red Mountain skiing with the OBPT, where he met people from everywhere and brought them home for supper. Nels and Joan traveled extensively in their retirement years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, Rossland on Thursday, September 4th at 2:00 pm, with Reverend Michael Hare officiating. Jordan Wren of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
Many thanks to the staff of 3rd floor KBRH, Dr. Scully, Dr. Livingstone, Dr. Toews and our family and many friends for their concern and care.
No flowers by request. Donations may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society at c/o 908 Rossland Avenue, Trail, BC, V1R 3N6, or to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundationca. or the charity if your choice.