Nelson was born in Sydney on October 15, 1924 to parents Hugh and Amelia (Cormier). He grew up on Richmond Street on the edge of the Steel Plant. He married the love of his life Nellie Mahoney in 1948 and started a life together that spanned 68 years.
Nelson is survived by children Brian (Maggie) Musquodoboit Harbour, Paula (Onni), South Bar, Michael (Linda), Sydney, Margaret (Roger) Brown, Sydney, Robert (Susan) Elmsdale, Helen (Stephen) Joseph, Sydney, Joe (Mary) Prescott, Ontario and daughter-in–law Debby George Sydney; eighteen grandchildren :Vicki and JoAnne Muise, Alison Trainor, Geoffrey Muise, Cathy Huntington and Beth Muise ,Barry Muise Jessica McBride and Holley Gillis, Richard, Emily and Cindy Brown, Meg Muise, Craig and Janine Joseph, Sam and Katie Muise and fifteen greatgrandchildren Oscar, Tashi, Leo, Olivia, Claire, Sarah, Devon, Jonah, Hillary, Chloe, Blaire , Shea, Will, Chloe and Jack and two more on the way. He is also survived by sisters in law Margaret Muise, Georgie Muise and Jeannette Muise, Vangie Corbett and by brother and sister in law Mike and Sally Mahoney.
Nelson was predeceased by his wife Nellie (Mahoney), daughter Janine, son David and grandson David Joseph; sister Violet, brothers Eddie, Clarence, Gerry, Raymond, Fr Joe, Vince and Bob and two brothers in infancy.
He survived childhood illnesses which made him unable to walk for over a year and left him with a damaged heart that doctors told his parents would not last more than twelve years and, in 1942, caused the army doctors to send him home after three weeks.
That heart survived for almost ninety-four years. He spent forty years in the Blast Furnace, built the family home on Cabot Street with hand tools. He and Nellie cared for that home, raised their family with love. He could turn his hand to many things: building boats, tying flies and adapting fishing rods for fishing the Margaree, cooking, sewing (as a teenager he even made a tent), he repaired shoes for the family and tended to first aid at home and in the Blast Furnace, played guitar, taught the kids to swim, play ball, skate, helped with homework, refinished and upholstered furniture. The list is endless.
Nelson had a great commitment to his family, his community and his country. He wanted free health care for all. He believed in the rights of workers to receive decent pay in safe conditions and worked tirelessly to achieve that. He served in local 1064 of the Steelworkers Union, including as recording secretary during the transition negotiations between the British owned steel company and the provincial government.
In later years, he became an advocate for seniors’ rights locally and nationally. He travelled across Canada with the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation preparing and presenting resolutions at conventions. He was called to Ottawa several times to sit on federal advisory councils. Provincial governments often turned to him to share his views. Locally, as president of Steelworkers and Pensioners Club he rarely sat down to lunch without being interrupted by phone calls from people needing advice or help with pensions, health care benefits and the like. He always answered the phone, leaving his food to go cold. Other local seniors clubs would turn to him to help resolve conflict or to devise rules and regulations for their organizations.
Nelson attended the NDP founding convention where he seconded the nomination of Tommy Douglas as the first leader of the new party. Mr. Douglas and his wife later visited with him and Nellie. They picnicked at Louisbourg so the Prairie couple could see the ocean. In 1961, when the plant was shut down for almost a year he was the president of the Unemployed Steelworkers Union. This brought Lester Pearson to meet with him in the family home during one of his battles with John Diefenbaker. Nelson worked tirelessly for local NDP candidates through many provincial and federal elections.
Nelson served on the board of the Sydney Co-Op and the Steel Centre Credit Union. A born leader, he often worked behind the scenes, not for recognition but for sincere beliefs that the world could be a better place. He lived true to his beliefs. That is if you see something wrong in the world you should do something to change it. By his actions and hard work, he instilled these values in his family.
Nelson’s heart also resided in Margaree. He bought a hunting shack from his brother and by hard work and ingenuity built it into a cabin where family and friends would find hospitality and a game of Tarabish whenever they came by. The view from that cabin is of the wide and ever changing Margaree River. He could read the tides and currents of the river, spot a salmon jumping or a run of Gaspereaux while counting cards in everyone’s hands in a game. He always had the time to stop and admire a sunset, pick mayflowers or berries and smell the roses.
The family would like to thank fellow residents of Williston house for their friendship and support. The dining room staff knew what would tease his fading appetite. Maintenance and cleaning staff were always helpful. The nursing staff were invaluable in their care and supervision as his health faded. They all contributed to making the place a true home and eased our minds when we could not be there.
Viewing will take place at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel on Sunday August 19 from 6-9pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St Marguerite Bourgeoys Church on 40 Cabot Street at 11am on Monday, August 20 with Fr. Bill Burke officiating.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com
