Tribute for Douglas Dwight Nelson (Guest book)
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Welcome to the memorial page for

Douglas Dwight Nelson

August 8, 1943 ~ May 13, 2017 (age 73) 73 Years Old
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Message from Patricia Granik
May 24, 2017 7:04 PM

I Doug was instrumental in hiring me as a Tutor at the PSC. It was a very rewarding position and Doug was a inspirational leader. I will always be grateful for his leadership and friendship. My heart goes out to his lovely wife and family. A wonderful man gone to the good Lord much too soon.
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A candle was lit by Patricia Granik on May 24, 2017 6:52 PM
Message from Jane Northcott Stratford
May 20, 2017 12:52 AM

I remember Pres Nelson's love for poetry and how he would recite The Ballad of Sam McGee from memory. He was one of my branch presidents in Winnipeg. We were in the Sherwood Park ward when I lived up there... faithful and true... Deep love and respect for him and the family. All my love to Merrilee and family.
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A candle was lit by The Doerksens on May 19, 2017 11:52 AM
Message from Harold & Ruth Doerksen
May 19, 2017 11:51 AM

We were indeed saddened to learn of Doug's passing this morning and we send you and your family our love and sincere sympathy as you mourn. We are confident that you will be comforted by the memories of many happy times Doug left behind. He was such a kind, gentle and caring friend. Brings back many fond memories of days back in Ottawa. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

All our love Harold & Ruth
Message from Carol Ladd
May 19, 2017 9:49 AM

My condolences, Merrilee to you and your family. I remember those wonderful temple trips with the 2 of you to Cardston. I enjoyed the friendship we shared during your time in Winnipeg. May the Lord bless and comfort you until you are reunited with Doug in the eternity.
Message from Tiffany Erickson
May 19, 2017 9:36 AM

Growing up I was always welcome in their home. It was my second home and I LOVED being there. I clearly remember popcorn nights - Doug made the best popcorn - and watching Disney shows on a Sunday night. I also remember Doug's faith and love for our Heavenly Father as he would make sure everyone knelt down by our chairs at the dinner table before dinner to respectfully thank our Father in Heaven for our day and the meal. I always admired that.
It was my pleasure to know him, his family, and grow a love for them that will never fade with distance.
Message from Robie Robichaud
May 17, 2017 1:12 PM


Doug was my boss for a few years and what a boss he was! Tough exterior but truthful, honest and kind. I am sad for his loss and want to offer you Merrilee and all your family my deepest condolences. RIP Doug.
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A candle was lit by Helen Sadowski on May 17, 2017 12:26 PM
Message from Helen Sadowski
May 17, 2017 12:22 PM

I worked with Doug at Transport Canada in the mid 80's and after that I moved to other departments and lost touch with him. When I heard that Doug had passed away and had suffered a very severe and debilitating illness, I felt both sad and sorry. Sorry that I didn't have the chance to tell him what a wonderful colleague he was, how smart, practical, kind and humorous he was. And of course he was always respected and relied upon to get an honest and carefully thought out opinion.

I loved how every year he would have a new portrait of his family--a very large one by most standards. It was displayed prominently on his desk and we could see the changes over the years. On Thursdays he would be sure to catch his bus as it was grocery shopping day and he would meet Merrilee after work to get that big job done. Doug was happy to be around his staff and played cards at lunch time with them. I have many warm memories of Doug and am grateful for his kindness and help.

To his family I want to say I am very sorry for your loss. It is a very big loss and full of sadness. Thankfully in his last years he was surrounded by his family.

Helen Sadowski
Message from Judy Brimacombe
May 17, 2017 12:15 PM

God bless you, Merrilee and all who know and love Doug. I'll be praying that peace and strength will fill your souls. RIP Doug. 💖
Expression of Sympathy

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A was ordered on May 17, 2017

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A candle was lit by AL SHIELDS - Cardston, Alberta on May 17, 2017 10:53 AM
I'm sad to learn of the passing of a friend and an associate.
Doug had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor - will miss him.
Message from Audrey Michelsen
May 17, 2017 10:35 AM

Dear Merrilee and Family,
May you have peace and comfort from the love of God and from your friends and family.
Merrilee, I loved and admired you and President Nelson while serving with you in the temple.
One thing that always gave me joy was the looks of love that frequently passed between you two. The knowledge of your husband's deep love for you will help bear you up over the next while.
With much love,
Audrey Michelsen

Message from Stan & Gerry Jackson
May 17, 2017 10:28 AM

Merilee and Family, our thoughts are with you as you say goodbye to a very fine man. He is a good friend and set high standards throughout our service together. We love you and honor your husband and father. love to all.
Message from Gerry Galet
May 17, 2017 10:09 AM

Doug was a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend. He was much respected in the Federal Human resource field and a very dedicated public servant. He strongly supported the development and work life of those who worked for him and with him as many of the tributes coming in attest to. I am very proud to have been personally and professionally associated with Doug.
Merrilee and Family - A good heart has stopped beating , a good soul has ascended to heaven.

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A candle was lit by Gerry and Judy Galet on May 17, 2017 8:42 AM
Message from Joanne Baxter
May 17, 2017 8:07 AM

To Merrilee and Doug's family!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all on your huge loss. Doug hired me at Transport Canada, believed in me and pushed me to do greater and bigger things. He always wanted his staff to stretch and grow. I learned so much under his leadership. I still have his hand Christmas letters that he would write in his beautiful handwriting with his personal comments and words of thanks. God bless you all and RIP Doug!
Message from Dave & MarryAnn McMillan
May 17, 2017 7:21 AM

Sr. Nelson, we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. It was a pleasure to serve with you both in the Edmonton Alberta Temple. May you be comforted by the love our Savior and our Heavenly Father has for you and your children and for your beloved husband.
Message from Cynthia Olmstead
May 17, 2017 12:03 AM

Such a great soul. A true friend and example. An honour to have known him. All the greatest of Heaven's blessings to Merrilee and dear family.
Message from Fred & Connie Bamber
May 16, 2017 11:01 PM

Connie Joan Bamber this was such a shock for us as we knew nothing about his being sick. would you please give Merrilee our condolences and that we have missed their card games and all the fun. Doug lived with us in Winnipeg, while he looked for a house. Such a good man. thank you
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Message from Gary & Jean Petersen
May 16, 2017 10:36 PM

We have a bond of friendship with this man which will never end. He has been our friend since the 1970’s, and was our Home Teacher for 5 years when we lived near Fultonvale, Strathcona County, 15 minutes from the Sherwood Park Chapel. Doug was a faithful and diligent friend.
Now, Doug was a good runner and one sunny evening during a Home Teaching visit, I believe he must have made a comment that he could run faster than my horse, Diego. So, the challenge was on to a race the 1/2 mile, from our acreage to Randy & Jan Oviatt's acreage. I gave him a head start and about 3/4 of the way I passed him. As Diego & I approached the Sub Division road, I glanced back and caught Doug hopping into Brother Hawthorne's car! Hahaha! It was quite a jaunt and we had a good laugh over the whole activity! We had previously agreed that the winner would receive a lemon meringue pie made by the loser. Oh that is a sweet memory! I hope I shared a piece of that pie with him! I believe he baked it himself. Thank you Doug. You “are” a wonderful warm hearted personality. I hope this story gives you a chuckle or two in your great (and temporary) loss.
Merrilee, we send our fondest Love, Hugs and Prayers, that your future may be strengthened by our Lord and His precious Spirit, Gary & Jean Petersen & Family.
Message from Cochrane, Ab
May 16, 2017 10:07 PM

Merilee and family, sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you and your family

Sylvia Miller
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A candle was lit by Urmila Singh - Thanks for all the wonderful memories. RIP on May 16, 2017 9:43 PM
Message from Eric & Tina McMurray
May 16, 2017 8:03 PM

To Merilee and family, our sincerest condolences and love. 35 years ago, then Bishop Nelson, provided advice that changed my life - to my question of how I would ever find my partner in life he challenged me to have a date each weekend for a year, and promised me I would find her. I followed that advice, and Tina and I found each other and will celebrate 35 years married this November; with 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Among my most fulfilling period of church service was the 3 years I served alongside President Nelson, Card and Fletcher where I saw close up, Doug's devotion to our Savior, his compassion, his loyalty to friends, and love for his family. Thank you Doug, and thank you to the family for sharing some of this great man with the rest of us.
Message from St Albert, Alberta, Canada
May 16, 2017 7:34 PM

I liked him & we had many chats at the temple in Edmonton. I too served in Seraign, Belgium before he did. I would have liked to have known him years before we met. My condolences to the family.
Message from Bruce and Corinna Moisey
May 16, 2017 3:14 PM

Our condolences to the family. President Nelson was one of the kindest and most humble person I have met. Sad to see him leave this earth, but comforted that he suffers no more.
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A candle was lit by Cathy Adachi on May 16, 2017 11:01 AM
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A candle was lit by Dave & Lynn West,, Montana on May 16, 2017 10:24 AM
Message from Carol Collins
May 16, 2017 9:30 AM

He was our Director, our Mentor, our Teacher, our Role Model, our Confident ,who's door really was open to all of us. We all learned a great deal from Doug over the years. A smile, a soft look, or even just a little nod. Just seeing him every morning made you want to do your best for the day because you represented his "Chosen Team" and we were all very proud to do so. And once in a while , even a "Bounty Coconut Chocolate Bar came your way, just to prove it. Thank you for the memories Mr. Nelson
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A candle was lit by Carol Collins Sooke BC Canada on May 16, 2017 9:18 AM
Expression of Sympathy

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A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was ordered on May 16, 2017

Message from Jeremy and Karly Higginbotham
May 15, 2017 10:57 PM

Much love to your family during this time. So grateful for the knowledge that families are forever. You're in our prayers. Love, Jeremy and Karly Higginbotham
Message from Rulon and Lorna Meldrum
May 15, 2017 8:20 PM

Merrilee and Family,
We were sad to learn of Doug's passing. He was an example to both of us, whether in his faithful church service, his adept grocery shopping abilities or his awesome Rook playing skills. Rulon also has good memories of their missionary service together n Belgium. Doug will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rulon and Lorna Meldrum
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