Obituary for Seward "Lee" Nelson
On September 10th, 2023, we “let go” of the man who provided so many of us with a solid and strong foundation and a good life. He was our ROCK. Lee passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at the age of 82 years. Soulmate and devoted husband of the late Dorothy (Larabee) Nelson for over 58 years. Caring father of Lisa and son-in-law Chad Mansell. Fun-loving Grandpa of Addisyn and Kalen Mansell. Cherished son of the late Sidney & Thelma (Campbell) Nelson. Warm-hearted brother of the late Melissa (Cook) Nelson, the late Gerald Nelson (late Sylvia), Marion Schofield (late Howard), the late Albert Nelson, the late Linda Wyer (Don), Cora Weir (Wendell), Sylvia Fisher, Lorne Nelson, the late Otis Nelson (Edith) and Darrell Nelson. Adored brother-in-law to the late Albert Larabee (Debbie), Stanley Larabee (Maureen), Millie Gibb (late Ronny), Cindy Maher, Percy “Bud” Maher (Cindy). Lee kept fond memories of aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be missed by many loving nieces and nephews and several loyal and lifelong friends.
Lee was a hardworking, determined, and caring man with an unforgettable personality. His red hair was a perfect reflection of his fiery spirit which guided him through many adventures in his life. Leaving his childhood home in Nova Scotia at a young age, Lee forged his own path serving in the military, travelling, and eventually ending up in Ontario where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. Lee’s love for Dorothy was unwavering and the life they created together was truly inspirational.
Above all, Lee was a family man. Family was at the heart of everything Lee accomplished and sacrificed throughout his lifetime. This was obvious during Lee and Dorothy’s early years of marriage, as he supported Dorothy in caring for her five younger siblings when the family moved from the big city of Toronto to the small town of Amherstburg. It was Lee’s grit, determination and work ethic that helped to establish roots and a home for his loved ones.
Lee truly valued every minute he could spend with his family, and he always had a twinkle in his eyes that gleamed with pride. Lee was the most exceptional and loving dad. He was always there for his daughter and son-in-law Chad, working tirelessly alongside them to help them achieve their lifelong goals. Lee was the proudest grandpa. His admiration and love for his grandkids was obvious with every heartfelt visit. Lee let his silly nature shine in their presence reminding us all we’re never too old to have fun. For Lee his grandchildren represented true joy and happiness. Lee also had a special spot in his heart for Cindy his sister-in-law, whom he would playfully tease with good nature.
Lee was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for 50 years. It was his career in the heavy construction industry that afforded Lee the stability to be the true provider that he was. He worked for Jones Brothers and for Dunn Paving Ltd as a foreman and operated the asphalt plant. Lee worked long hours over the years and took great pride in his work and in a job well done. He was well respected amongst his colleagues and made many long-lasting friendships. Lee’s charismatic and genuine personality was infectious. His laugh was unmistakable. People enjoyed his company and wanted to be around him. Lee was a loyal friend and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Everyone knew the garage door was open and a cold beer would be waiting in the fridge. Feeling restless after retirement, Lee drove a school bus for 13 years, which was a great match for his reliable, responsible and lighthearted nature.
Lee loved listening to country music. In particular, he enjoyed the singer Hank Williams Jr where he would listen to songs like “All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down” and reminisce about his carefree, younger years known as the “good ole days.” He would share appreciation for Dorothy’s love, commitment and hard-work as she helped to see him through those wilder times. Lee cherished opportunities to embrace adventure such as when he went skydiving with coworkers or mountain biking down the Bay of Fundy trails with his favourite side kick adventurer, Chad. Lee appreciated any opportunity to travel. In particular, trips back home to the East coast to visit with his siblings. Lee cherished county road drives with Dorothy, family camping, witty jokes, cooking on an open fire, gardening, fishing trips with “the boys”, hikes, poker, and a good cold beer. Everyone knew the way to Lee’s heart was through his “sweet tooth”, never passing up an opportunity to enjoy ice cream and homemade pies.
Lee’s last years were a testament of his ability to make the best of any situation as he embraced his long battle with Lewy Body Dementia with humor, patience, and grace. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the exceptional care Lee received from his Amica family in Georgetown, Ontario over this past year. Your love, hard-work and commitment for Memory Care has left our family with so many memories to treasure. We look forward to a combined Celebration of Life for Lee and Dorothy with the arrival of Spring on Saturday, March, 16th 2024, memorial visitation from 11 am until time of celebration of life at 1pm at Families First, 585 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, 519-969-5841.
Lee was a hardworking, determined, and caring man with an unforgettable personality. His red hair was a perfect reflection of his fiery spirit which guided him through many adventures in his life. Leaving his childhood home in Nova Scotia at a young age, Lee forged his own path serving in the military, travelling, and eventually ending up in Ontario where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. Lee’s love for Dorothy was unwavering and the life they created together was truly inspirational.
Above all, Lee was a family man. Family was at the heart of everything Lee accomplished and sacrificed throughout his lifetime. This was obvious during Lee and Dorothy’s early years of marriage, as he supported Dorothy in caring for her five younger siblings when the family moved from the big city of Toronto to the small town of Amherstburg. It was Lee’s grit, determination and work ethic that helped to establish roots and a home for his loved ones.
Lee truly valued every minute he could spend with his family, and he always had a twinkle in his eyes that gleamed with pride. Lee was the most exceptional and loving dad. He was always there for his daughter and son-in-law Chad, working tirelessly alongside them to help them achieve their lifelong goals. Lee was the proudest grandpa. His admiration and love for his grandkids was obvious with every heartfelt visit. Lee let his silly nature shine in their presence reminding us all we’re never too old to have fun. For Lee his grandchildren represented true joy and happiness. Lee also had a special spot in his heart for Cindy his sister-in-law, whom he would playfully tease with good nature.
Lee was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for 50 years. It was his career in the heavy construction industry that afforded Lee the stability to be the true provider that he was. He worked for Jones Brothers and for Dunn Paving Ltd as a foreman and operated the asphalt plant. Lee worked long hours over the years and took great pride in his work and in a job well done. He was well respected amongst his colleagues and made many long-lasting friendships. Lee’s charismatic and genuine personality was infectious. His laugh was unmistakable. People enjoyed his company and wanted to be around him. Lee was a loyal friend and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Everyone knew the garage door was open and a cold beer would be waiting in the fridge. Feeling restless after retirement, Lee drove a school bus for 13 years, which was a great match for his reliable, responsible and lighthearted nature.
Lee loved listening to country music. In particular, he enjoyed the singer Hank Williams Jr where he would listen to songs like “All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down” and reminisce about his carefree, younger years known as the “good ole days.” He would share appreciation for Dorothy’s love, commitment and hard-work as she helped to see him through those wilder times. Lee cherished opportunities to embrace adventure such as when he went skydiving with coworkers or mountain biking down the Bay of Fundy trails with his favourite side kick adventurer, Chad. Lee appreciated any opportunity to travel. In particular, trips back home to the East coast to visit with his siblings. Lee cherished county road drives with Dorothy, family camping, witty jokes, cooking on an open fire, gardening, fishing trips with “the boys”, hikes, poker, and a good cold beer. Everyone knew the way to Lee’s heart was through his “sweet tooth”, never passing up an opportunity to enjoy ice cream and homemade pies.
Lee’s last years were a testament of his ability to make the best of any situation as he embraced his long battle with Lewy Body Dementia with humor, patience, and grace. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the exceptional care Lee received from his Amica family in Georgetown, Ontario over this past year. Your love, hard-work and commitment for Memory Care has left our family with so many memories to treasure. We look forward to a combined Celebration of Life for Lee and Dorothy with the arrival of Spring on Saturday, March, 16th 2024, memorial visitation from 11 am until time of celebration of life at 1pm at Families First, 585 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, 519-969-5841.