WALTER CHARLES NELSON
1928-2023
With mixed emotions, we said goodbye to our dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Walter (Wally) Nelson of Avonlea, SK. Wally passed away on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at Coteau Range Manor in Avonlea. He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Doreen in 2016. Wally will be lovingly remembered by his son, William (Annamae) Nelson of Avonlea; daughter, Janet Day (Douglas Bender) of Avonlea; grandchildren: Curtis (Tracy) Nelson of Assiniboia, Michael (Tracy) Nelson of Avonlea, Damon (Doris) Nelson of Avonlea, Regan Nelson of Avonlea, Nadine (Omar) Bermudez of Avonlea, Rodney (Jana) Day of Carnduff, and Tracey Day-Mealing (Tim Inglis) of Moose Jaw, great-grandchildren: Kyle (Keely) Nelson, Kaelyn Nelson, Carter Nelson, Kix, Max and Breia Nelson, Gabriella and Ivy Bermudez, Shaelyn Day, Pacen Day, and Bennett, Sawyer, Lincoln and Nash Day; siblings: Jean Kinciad, Margaret Hewitt, Bernice Sanderson and Gary (Laurel) Nelson.
In his 95 plus years that he spent mostly in Avonlea, he accomplished more than many could dream of and touched the hearts of many while making transformational changes in the agricultural industry in Canada. He was an entrepreneur and founder of Nelson Motors, Nelson GM, Long Creek Golf & Country Club, and the Palliser Wheat Growers Association (Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association). His success in life was due to his passion for people, his work, and his family. His hard work and determination have shown his peers anything is possible if you set your mind to it. From mechanic at Armstrong Motors to the owner of multi-store John Deere and General Motors franchises. His love for green equipment and the people that used, serviced, and sold them was undeniable. His belief in farmers having the choice to market their own commodities was a fight he took on in 1970 and finally won in 2012 when he was flown to Ottawa to see Bill C-18 pass, removing the controls that the Canadian Wheat Board had held over Western Canadian farmers for so many years. Wally was also instrumental in the construction of Canada’s first farmer owned inland grain terminal, the Weyburn Inland Terminal, an idea that he was told would never work, innovating the grain handling industry in Canada faster than anyone had ever dreamed.
Wally loved to golf and built a 9-hole course, expanding it to 18 with a world class clubhouse, where he would showcase his other love - antiques. In 1990 Wally was awarded the highest honor the Province of Saskatchewan can bestow upon a resident, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. In 2015 he was elected to the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of fame. His belief in people and sincere interest in them was what made him stand out from many. A visionary, wise beyond his years, he has left a legacy behind that will affect his family, his community, his province, and his country for lifetimes to come.
The family would like to thank the management and staff of Coteau Range Manor of Avonlea for the loving care given to him over his over his 5 years there. A Celebration of Walter’s life will be held on Monday, April 24th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in St Paul’s Cathedral, 1861 McIntyre St, Regina, SK. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsAnglicanCathedralRegina. Carpooling to the Church would be appreciated as parking is at a minimum in the area. A Time of Visitation for Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Avonlea, SK.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Walter’s name may be made to Coteau Range Manor c/o Village of Avonlea, Box 209, Avonlea, SK S0H 0C0 or Hillcrest Cemetery, Box 312, Avonlea, SK S0H 0C0. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com