William Kurt Neilson

The man, the myth, the legend.,.. this is what William Kurt Neilson was all about! It was a balmy -6 º C in Winnipeg Manitoba on February 6th, 1952 when Kurt made his entrance to the world. This frigid day was in stark contrast to the warmth he would bring to those around him. He went on to grow up as a fascinated little boy on his parent’s farm in Stratton Ontario where he learned all the tricks of the trade of farming, equipment, old school techniques and enjoying the simple life of a rural setting. His dad, a guiding force, instilled in him at a tender age the value of hard work through fishing (his eyes lit up when a pickerel was dangling on the end of his rod– his fav), hunting, the responsibilities of farm life, and what a dollar meant. Kurt took great pride in raising sheep for 4H, a testament to his early commitment and affection for animals. His school years were marked by a passion and talent for wrestling and running, setting the stage for a life characterized by vigor, curiosity and enthusiasm. At 15 years of age Kurt decided it was time to spread his wings and ventured out to Thunder Bay ON and took up a career in construction, and more specifically paving, which at the time he didn’t realize this decision would set the course for his lifelong vocation. He fully engaged in learning everything he could to take with him when in 1971 he decided to “go west young man” to the province of opportunity – Alberta. Upon moving to Calgary, he secured a position with Pioneer Paving, then Standard General, followed by Maco Paving. Kurt’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. On his birthday in 1982 he was blessed with the arrival of his son Jonathan. Every year was a double celebration with that special unique twist.

In 1987 fate led Kurt to Mingles Bar in Calgary and low and behold, locked eyes with Terrie. They had an immediate connection, and he knew she was the “one” and on Christmas Eve 1992 they tied the knot in a private intimate ceremony. Terrie was Kurt’s rock, steadfast partner, and a constant source of support and love throughout their life together.

Then in 1991 Kurt was ready… he started his own company which he named Bow River Paving. His 23 years of experience, listening, and learning finally came to fruition and he applied all of his knowledge to building one of the most successful and well-known paving companies in Calgary. Not to say that he didn’t experience hiccups as any new business owner does. But with his ‘no holds barred’ personality, he maneuvered a stern ship and navigated in a way that only Kurt could do. Result – success!

In 2012 it was time to hang up his boots and let new owners take Bow River Paving into the next chapter. Retirement came easy and Kurt was able to expand his beautiful car collection. From 2010 to 2020, Kurt and Terrie spent their winters in Sun City, Arizona, embracing the warmth and vibrant community there with their retreat on Dawn Lake. This time in the sun was a cherished part of their lives, providing relaxation and a change of scenery.

Kurt began to experience problems with his oxygen levels so they decided that it was time for a new chapter in their lives - the western skies were calling them and in 2016 they made the move to Nanoose Bay BC – on the island – fresher, cleaner air closer to sea level. First thing on the list was constructing a shop for his “babies and toys.” Next, it was time to purchase a fishing boat now that he was minutes away from the ocean. This reflected his “go big or go home” approach to life. For a few years he loved taking it out, just relaxing, and the excitement of reeling in a great fish! But, eventually he sold it, as his true passion was his cars.

Kurt was on oxygen since 2013 and after moving to BC and going through many many tests , assessments, checks, scans and appointments, in February 2021 Kurt was given the most generous extraordinary gift of life through a double lung transplant at Vancouver General Hospital. Terrie was by his side each and every day and rented an apartment close to the hospital to make things easier, To see him take those first breaths on his own without external oxygen was surreal for her. Tears of joy for both of them and Kurt was the poster person for a double lung transplant recipient. This renewed lease on life brought a newfound energy and zest. He shared his transplant journey with everyone and the gratitude he had for his transplant team was unsurmountable. He now had pep in his step, which sometimes led to a heavy foot for pedal to the metal… you could often hear him lighting up the tires when he went out for a cruise. He loved driving his cars and taking them to all the different shows. The Wednesday night Sears meet was one he particularly enjoyed. Cars and buddies, two of his favourite things.

Kurt's life was marked by his unwavering morals, ethics, and a profound love for his family and friends. His humor, generosity, and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He is already deeply missed, and the upcoming anniversaries and milestones will be a poignant reminder of his absence. He loved his wife, loved his family and friends, and loved to prank his buddies and get them going with “fake news.” Kurt was always there for you if you were ever in need and treasured his close friends – one in particular – till he took his last breath. They were brothers from another mother. On August 22, 2024, Kurt’s journey ended leaving behind a legacy of hard work passion and love. He is missed each and every day and the first year of occasions, celebrations and just not being able to hear his voice are going to be oh so hard on everyone he knew. God speed Kurt… you will never be forgotten and always in our hearts.

Kurt is predeceased by his parents William Moie and Marjorie Neilson, sister Sandra Neilson, father-in-law Blake Smith, and 2 cherished dachshunds which were a huge part of their life – Peanut and Mandy. He is survived by his loving wife Terrie Neilson, son Jonathan (Erin) Neilson, granddaughter Jamie, mother-in-law Beverley Smith, Uncle Jim, Aunt Dixie, nephew Michael, many cousins and 3 special furry friends Diesel , George, and Mesa Grace (affectionately known as Cheese Dog to Kurt). There will be a Celebration of Life open house on September 15th at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort, 1175 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC from noon to 3:00pm, and a second Life Honoring Ceremony in Calgary Alberta on September 21st, 2024 from noon to 3:00pm at The Blair’s Ranch, 10078 274th Ave W., Foothills AB. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Transplant Research Foundation of British Columbia.