Melvin "Doug" Douglas Nelson

Doug Nelson was born in Kinistino Saskatchewan on July 27, 1944, and passed away peacefully with family by his side on September 23, 2025. Doug spent the last couple of years battling vascular dementia and heart issues that ultimately became too much for him to overcome.

Doug was a skilled Optician for 38 years fitting glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and artificial eyes. He worked closely with Ophthalmologists and Optometrists in Prince Albert, the penitentiary system, northern and rural Saskatchewan. His ability to excel in this field provided the opportunity to advance to managerial roles at a number of different Optical Dispensaries. He also spent a short time driving for PA Northern Bus Lines where he chauffeured sports teams, schools and Prince Albert residents to multiple locations in western Canada and the northern US.

He was a sports enthusiast; athlete, coach, referee, and spectator. His involvement in the sporting community earned him the honor of being named The Prince Albert Sportsman of The Year and The Saskatchewan Baseball Association Manager of the Year. In his younger days he enjoyed curling, fishing, dancing and hockey. His favorite pastimes were watching airplanes come and go, having a good laugh at the inexperienced young fathers attempting to launch and load their boats or backing in campers, listening and dancing to polka music.

Doug’s role as a father began early in his marriage when he encouraged his wife’s siblings to live with them after the tragic death of their parents. Soon after, his own father passed and Doug embraced being a father figure for his two younger brothers. Stepping into fatherhood at such a young age set the foundation for Doug and Gail to build and add to their existing family. He was a model of devotion and strength to his family and children, whether it was turning lap after lap on Emma Lake in the summer so the kids could learn to water ski or by perfecting a back yard ice rink so his boys could live out their dreams of playing in the NHL. His loving devotion spilled over to the next Nelson generation where his greatest joy was being a grandpa and great grandpa spending as much time as he could with them. He connected intentionally with each of his grandchildren and despite often living hundreds of miles away, he never failed to be their biggest fan.

Doug will be remembered for his warm and affectionate smile, joking personality and desire to have family and friends around whenever possible. He was endearing and social with a “larger than life” personality. He had the innate ability to make others feel comfortable around him, as if they had been lifelong friends. Whenever Doug would run errands, grocery shop or gas up the Murano you would find him chatting up a complete stranger on anything from the weather to winter tires.

Doug is survived by his wife and best friend Gail. She was the love of his life for 59 years and became his primary caregiver when his dementia and heart began stealing what time he had left with her. She never left his side and although his mind began to falter, he could still make her laugh with his quick wit, sly smile and a wink. Together they had three children, Todd (Josette), Kerri (Kent), and Jeff (Jessica). Grandchildren Colton (Kaleigh), Kyleigh (Tyler), Kenedi, Isabella, Abby (Steven), Eliza (Brenden), Sara. Great Grandchildren Mavie, Stetson, with three more on their way. Brother Don (Jan). Brother in-laws Reid (Carol), Craig (Laurie), Brent. Sister-in-laws Bernice (Tom), Fern (Jim), Carol (Barry), Helen and many beloved nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his father and mother Melvin (Bud) Nelson and Velma Nelson. Father and mother-in-law Cyril and Beatrice McLeod. Brother Gord. Sister-in-law Joanne.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and caregivers at Royal University Hospital and Samaritan Place who cared for Doug when his health was failing. Their kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or donations please honor Doug by putting on an old country song and having a dance with your loved one.