Paul R. Nelson II passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on April 9, 2021. He was 81 years old. Paul leaves behind his wife, Sandie of 56 years and their three children Paul, Kathy, and David, all four of whom were at his side when he took his final breath.
Paul was a loving husband and devoted father. During his final moments, his family sat around him talking and laughing about some of their favorite moments all together. How he used to love to read stories to them when they were little and oftentimes would read them backwards. Teaching them countless sports: archery, cross-country skiing, water-skiing, baseball, hockey, football etc. His love of making dad jokes and terrible puns–always trying to put a smile on other people’s faces. Singing old hymnals, country music, Boy Scout songs, and army tunes on road trips-some of which had PG-13 lyrics.
How he took up Shorin-Ryu Okinawan karate in his later years and became a second degree black-belt and even began teaching children’s classes at his local dojo. He adored all kids and as a former Eagle Scout, Paul became a Lansing area Boy Scout Troop Leader, he helped coach Delhi Township softball teams, and local hockey teams, and even became East Lansing High School’s head hockey coach for a few years. His utter love of hockey– playing goalie until he was in his late seventies, only quitting because he realized his Parkinson’s Disease slowed his reaction time and he was missing too many shots. He wanted his team to have someone better in the net.
He was always there for his family and willing to lend a hand with whatever they needed, whether it was helping someone move or re-roofing a house, even though he wasn’t handy– his favorite way to fix things was a roll of silver tape. He often traveled long distances to support his kids and grandkids in all their activities: hockey games, figure skating and water-skiing competitions, ballet recitals, baseball games, and rock concerts, he watched them all. Near the end, his six grandkids relished being able to make him laugh or smile. Parkinson’s patients often lose their smile, but occasionally someone would say something that brought him back and his old smile would cross his lips for a moment and light up the room once more.
Paul was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1939. He served in the U.S. Army stationed in Okinawa and Korea. He graduated from Michigan State University and the University of New York at Buffalo, earning an MBA in Finance. In 1966 he was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society for finance and became a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) in 1976. For most of his career he worked in the Department of Treasury for the State of Michigan as an administrator in the Fixed Income Division of the Bureau of Investments, helping to oversee the Michigan Education Trust Fund (MET Fund).
In addition to his wife, three children, and six grandchildren he is also survived by his two brothers Jim and Jon. Paul will be greatly missed by all who knew him. But certainly he has already donned his heavenly goalie equipment and is back on an ice rink somewhere up there in the sky.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Parkinson’s Disease research.
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