Morley A. Nelson

NELSON, MORLEY A. died March 29, 2016 in his home at Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask.

Predeceased by his parents Rose (nee Kunnanz) and Axel Nelson; his mother and father-in-law Eva and Henry Reese; brothers-in-law Harold, Floyd and Lorne Reese; sister and brother-in-law Sy and Geri Dilschneider.

He will be sorely missed by his wife Charmaine “Sherry” (nee Reese) who holds tight to his legacy of love, strength and courage. He leaves his brother Gerald Nelson (Yorkton); sisters-in-law Mary Reese (Saskatoon) and Kathleen Reese (Ebenezer); and nieces and nephews who he truly loved.

Morley’s career started in Psychiatric Nursing at Valley View Centre, Moose Jaw advancing to the Moose Jaw Union Hospital then into the main stream of Health, Safety, Security and Industrial Firefighting with Kalium Chemicals (Mosaic). He became the first Industrial Firefighter in Saskatchewan to receive the Exemplary Fire Service Medal awarded on behalf of the Sovereign and the Governor General of Canada. After 35 years of dedicated service he left Kalium to form his own consulting company, Shermor Holdings Inc., and was quickly engaged by Potash, Uranium, Coal mines and Anhydrous Ammonium plants across Saskatchewan. A song written in the late 60s’ speaks to the brotherhood of mankind. The title is “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother”. Morley truly understood the meaning of those words. He was quick to volunteer and always willing to share his knowledge and experience. He was actively involved with The Saskatchewan Mining Association’s Rescue Competitions for over 40 years where he trained rescue teams and acted as judge in both the Annual Events and the In-House Competitions. He is credited with assisting in the development of the Mining Firefighting Competition and for establishing the Annual Industrial Competitions. Morley played a key role in the development of The Saskatchewan Safety Council’s Fire Control School which was the first of its kind in Saskatchewan and became the standard for the development of every other Fire Training Program in the province. He was a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators; Firefighters without Borders and was an instructor with The Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters Association and St. John Ambulance. Many Provincial Volunteer Fire Departments relied on his advice and assistance in obtaining essential, cost-effective equipment. Morley was awarded the Saskatchewan Mining Association’s Distinguished Service Award; England’s International Penner Emergency Response Award; Saskatchewan Safety Professional of the Year Award and was inducted into the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame. For 12 years following retirement he made it his mission to help the Firefighters in Mexico acquire some much needed equipment. Each year he appealed to his peers across Canada and USA for donations of new or used equipment which he personally collected and transported. It involved literally tons donated by Mines, Safety Suppliers and Fire Departments, including two wild-land fire trucks donated by San Bernardino FD initiated by a personal friend Dr. Bill Eich. Vallarta newspapers once referred to him as the ‘Canadian Santa Clause’. In a ceremony of gratitude including many Jalisco State dignitaries he was named the First Honorary Bombero of Puerto Vallarta, an honour he humbly accepted on behalf of all the companies that had donated the equipment. Morley and Sherry left Regina in 1994 moving to their new home at Echo Lake where he soon became a member of the Fort Qu’Appelle Volunteer Fire Department and continued to give of himself with energy and dedication never giving up being a part of the action. He was Founder and Co-ordinator of the first Volunteer Firefighters Challenge in Saskatchewan bringing together teams from several communities. Hockey was big in his life. He was a goal tender for many years playing on several different leagues at the same time. Morley travelled extensively and was rich with friends because of the easy way he had with everyone he came in contact with. His guidance was to live simply, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God. He felt eternally blessed having Nathan Simes in his life. A young boy who always gave “this much” love and made everything in life worthwhile. With respect and gratitude we acknowledge the skills and compassion of Dr. Stuart McMillan who journeyed with him throughout his 5 years with cancer and Dr. Mirjana Zarkovic his Oncologist who always offered hope. Morley was armed spiritually and emotionally for this day. He has gone home now; guided by the light of those he loved who have gone before him. We are fortunate to have known such a positive spirit; one who is so hard to say goodbye to.

Honoring Morley’s request a PRIVATE SERVICE will be held in the Chapel at Qu’Appelle House of Prayer on B'Say'Tah Road with Rev. Fr. Glenn Zimmer OMI officiating. Interment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire contributions may be made to the Firefighters Burn Fund Inc., 303 – 83 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4J9 as tokens of remembrance.

Arrangements in care of Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services. (1-800-667-8962)