Perry Wadsworth Nelson

Loving husband of 65 years to Cynthia (2019) and dad to Laura, Lisa (Pat), Anna (Dave), and grandad to Tod (Paola), Alex (Jayme) Scott (Jessica), Jeffrey (Jacquie), Ryan (Alisha) & John (Joselyn) and great grandad to Molly (Matt), Caitlin, Finley, Ryder, Alicia and Marcus. Predeceased by his parent’s Ellen and Albert Nelson, sister Beverly Ellis (Bill) and brother Edward Erickson.

Born in Port Coquitlam BC, dad’s early years were spent in Bute Dale on Princess Royal Island, a remote wilderness south of Prince Rupert BC. He returned to New Westminster to complete his schooling and later graduated with an Honour’s Degree (BSc.) from the University of British Columbia. He joined Continental Can shortly thereafter as a Food Chemist and moved with his lovely bride across the country to Montreal, and then Oakville before settling in Thornhill. Over the years, dad traveled the world for work, earned his Master’s Degree in Business (Sloan Fellowship) from MIT in Boston, and retired after 40 years with Continental Can (Crown Cork and Seal/Crown Metal Packaging Canada) as President and CEO. As dad said, “not bad for a kid who grew up with nothing and put himself through school.” Dad credited his success to his philosophy of “work hard, surround yourself with good people, and know yourself - do what you are good at.”

Dad wasn’t just all about business, he loved spending time with his family, friends, and the many dogs he had over the years. He would spend the winters in the Caribbean soaking up the sun, and summers at his “happy place” at Mary Lake in Muskoka with his beloved Cynth. While dad wasn’t a sports guy, he loved his Blue Jays and was looking forward to a big Jays comeback win this year!

Dad felt it was important to keep one’s mind active and keep busy. He was the family historian and an avid photographer. He loved to read, listen to music (he played the trumpet), cook, do crossword puzzles, play backgammon on his iPad, send emails (lots of emails), follow politics, write, and sculpt just to name a few. Dad was a very accomplished sculptor, something he picked up in retirement and continued to do right up until he went into hospital. While he showed his work in many art galleries including the McMichael Gallery, he was most proud of being selected to display his work during the G8 Summit in Muskoka.

Our dear dad, grandad and friend will be greatly missed! A Celebration of Life will be held in June to honour him and the incredible life he lived. In lieu of flowers a donation to the MacKenzie Health Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Princess Margaret Hospital or the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.