I worked with Dr. Stu  in 2022 when he asked me to technically manage the first zoom veterinary training for the Iditerod. I dealt with him by phone and then in person during the day long sessions. The above is a typical scenario with a trainer online, observers alongside, and Stu at his computer. He never just stood around. He didn't hover. I liked that. He was clear, specific, and very highly regarded. I was looking forward to working with him again. What a remarkable individual. He left us too soon.

To his family and friends, we’ve lost a rare and great man, in Dr. Nelson.  He accepted my volunteer Iditarod application for the 2023 race, which was my one chance to serve him and that race.  I only spent a few hours with him, but in those few, quiet hours, it was plainly evident that this man was an example worth following.  Sadly, his mortality is now plainly evident; however, at that time it was less plainly evident.  Stu was a man of very few words, and commensurately astonishing accomplishment.  That contrast struck me as quite unusual.

I’m pretty sure he could have done his morning run in his bunny boots.

While I did not know Stu, I did know his parents.  He seems to have been a great reflection of them and their lives.  The Nelsons were friends of my parents and so supportive during various times in our lives.  May all feel comfort in knowing that there are such strong, caring people in our lives, with the peace that comes from accepting that much of that lives on in our lives and memories.

Rest in peace.  We will never forget the joy you brought into our lives. Laura, Kyle, and Cody

I felt a bit of a kinship with Stu, as we finished vet school the same year, and were only 5 days apart in age.

We first met in 1980, when he dropped by the vet clinic I then owned in Whitehorse to introduce himself as a fellow veterinarian.  He accepted our invitation for supper and to stay overnight, and then headed off on an early version of his annual river trip.

Our last contact was when he phoned on September 9th this year, to say that he was safely off the river after another successful trip, reunited with his truck in Mayo, and was heading straight back to his beloved cabin in Eagle.

Our connections between those two times included vet meetings, his dropping by our home in Whitehorse while driving to or from the lower 48, and a couple of Iditarods, but we mostly saw him immediately after (and occasionally before) a river trip, including the famous 2010 trip, when he and his kayak were separated, and he spent 2 weeks on a sand bar at the confluence of the Wind and Little Wind Rivers.

Stu would stop by on his way back to Alaska after a river trip, always positive (and always fairly hungry) and stay a night or 2 and chat about dogs and politics and whatever else came to mind. 

I so regret that those visits are now forever over.

Stu was a rare individual who truly lived life on his own terms, and was generous to all.  

His sign off to our phone conversations, especially after hearing of the challenges, medical or otherwise of those close to us, was often, “Well, I’ll be praying for them, and for you.”  

Knowing that he was doing that, and that he was out in the world doing the most he could to help those for whom he cared, was a great comfort. 

Our deepest sympathies to all of his huge network of friends and family, and especially to Karen and Isabel.

I will miss you Stu.  We were friends for 33 years and spent countless years together working for Iditarod.  I was your 
Vet Tech for over 20 years and made sure your Vets got to their checkpoints with their gear. We always talked about your river trips and how much enjoyment you got out of them.  You introduced me to the love of your life Karen and her daughter Isabel and we went out for Chinese food and took rides to Talkeetna.  I will never forget those times and I will never forget you my friend.  Until we meet again on the trails up above.  Jan

From my very first rookie year at the The Iditarod in 2013 and every single year since, Dr. Stuart Nelson (Stu to all of us on trail) accepted, guided, watched over and taught me to be a better veterinarian and a better person. His dedication to the sled dogs and their well-being was second to none. I wish him sled-dog speed to the most remote part of wherever he is so he can raft along the rivers, amongst the wolves and other wildlife, forever in joy.

I had the great fortune to first meet Dr. Nelson ("Stu") more than 30 years ago. His dedication to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the veterinary profession was unwavering, as was his focus on excellence and "doing the right thing". Dr. Nelson had a huge impact on the health and well-being of sled dogs and helped to advance our knowledge regarding the physiology of elite endurance athletes. Stu enjoyed his wilderness sojourns, and I was fortunate to hear some of his legendary adventures in the Yukon and north slopes of Alaska.
He will be missed.

Stu was a part of my life for 10 years. My foundations in sled dog medicine are due in part to Stu. His research and knowledge about these athletes was the forefront to what we know and practice today. A hundred different Iditarod moments move through my head as I recall the memories of him.

Stu was stoic. He was a man of few words, and even fewer facial expressions, during races. I always found a moment that we could connect and tried to make things a little bit lighter for him. 

The pinnacle came at the Deshka Landing finish in 2020. Stu, Heather, Sabrina, and I were...tired, to put it lightly. We all laughed until our stomachs hurt over Stu requesting Heather act out her moose encounter. He then joined in on our delirious humor over a comment a musher made about their axe. We all fought through tears as Stu told us what he was gonna do wit dat axe. Stu was a very tall man with appropriate-sized feet. He was going to just 'wack em off at the toes cause the toes were no good to him and just always got in the way'.

As one of my sled dog vet mentors, Stu and I have come through some of the worst together. These are the moments I learned to read his eyes. Stu may not have said much, but his eyes held the truth. In 2019 when he put me on a critical patient, after completing a 44-hour Seppala Award evaluation, I knew where his trust lied. Much of our communication about this patient was quiet to the unaware. When I returned to Nome after life-flighting our patient to Anchorage, I will never forget the sincerity in his eyes when he thanked me.

Dr. Stu Nelson's untimely death is tragic and a shock to all who worked with him in the sled dog world.  I knew him since we worked together as trail vets in 1995 and the 15 yrs that followed. Once you've worked, slept, eaten and philosophized 24/7 alongside someone in the wilderness on the Iditarod...they're family. You will be sorely missed here, but I'm sure there are 1000's of Alaskan Huskies with you now licking your face. Be at peace, you did much good for the dogs.

What a huge loss to the dog mushing world.  I was lucky to spend several years as a veterinarian on the Iditarod trail and learned so much from Stu.  I will never forget the story he told about the importance of having your survival gear on you after he had a kayak flip and lost his.  He told us survival gear is only good if you have it.  He pushed for better medicine and taught what he learned.  He will be so very missed. Thanks for sharing your love of sled dogs and sled dog medicine with me!

2021 the year of masks and 1000’s of nose swabs!

You will forever be missed. Your hard work and compassion for sled dogs brought their care to what it is today. You can never be replaced and your Iditarod family will miss you indefinitely. Every time we do an ECG, every time we take a temperature up a dog butt 😂, every time someone listens to a sled dogs heart, every time  we see the dogs being hooked up in harness, banging so hard against it, that their dog friend next them is being jolted, when the hook is pulled and the dogs take off to Nome, tails wagging, we will think off you. We may have lost you here but God has gained an amazing man! Run free now and be wild and crazy!

I will love you forever, thank you for loving me ❤️

One of our many adventures, so many wonderful memories, so many miles traveled, so many more we had plans to do !

Life with you was an adventure, you was a wild spirit, loving, caring and humble. 
You will be forever in my heart, my prayers and forever in my prayers and dreams🙏❤️

As you have reached your final destination and heavenly home, know that your impact on this world was huge.. Your dedication to servings God and being a witness of his love and grace, impacted so many hearts, helped save many souls.  Your love of the great outdoors and all things wild was your passion.  “Wild Raven, your legacy and love will be felt forever!”  Fly high, wild and crazy and know that I will love you FOREVER ❤️xxx

So sad to hear about Dr. Stu Nelson's passing. He was a mentor to me at my very first Iditarod in 1997 (as a 4th year vet student) and has been instrumental in my growth as a sled dog vet. What a huge loss for the sled dog community, and for mushers and veterinary professionals alike.  He will be dearly missed. My prayers to his family and loved ones.

Deepest sympathies,

Dr. Justine Lee

I’m so sorry that I can’t be there to celebrate Stu’s life with you all. I was the Teacher on the Trail for the Iditarod in 2001 and saw him all along the trail. I’ve also heard him speak at two teachers’ conferences in Alaska.  He was a great vet and was able to explain the vet’s role in the Iditarod very well. He will be greatly missed.

Dr. Nelson, you are so missed. You were the core of the medical team and your dedication will always be legendary. Sitting in the living room with you and Karen just listening to your adventures will always stay with me. Thank you for always be willing to talk about God’s gifts even in the most remote parts of Alaska. See you again one day.

I was partnered with Stu in my first checkpoint on my first Iditarod as a volunteer veterinarian back in 1991. He was a great mentor and inspired me to return for the next 18 years.
His contrabutions to sled dog veterinary medicine and the Iditarod will be legendary.

Stuart pointing to God after an amazing hike we had in Idaho!

Another picture of Stuart and I on the Denver Glacier shortly after I had just taken them on a dog sled ride up the glacier. Stuart got to drive the sled and could NOT stop smiling!

Before Stuart’s last river trip he came over to our house for his favorite “fattening” dinner (grilled halibut, salmon and coconut cream pie with ice cream) and to make sure his river shot gun was ready for action if needed

One of his birthday parties we had! We started the day off going up to Hatchers Pass and sledding down 6-mile hill multiple times. Then we came home, had some hot coco and dinner and finished it off with some pie. (Always making sure he had a “poon” as it was his favorite utensil)

All of us on the Denver Glacier. Stuart and my mom drove the ALCAN and took a helicopter flight to come visit us and go on a dog sled ride. We all had a blast!

Christmas morning before opening all our gifts

Birthday hike at Byers Lake with Denali in the background

Birthday hike at Byers lake right at the base Denali. Here we are walking over the suspension bridge where hundreds of salmon swim under.

OBITUARY

Stuart Lindbergh Nelson Jr.

December 5, 1952 – September 20, 2024

Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia

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