Quick Search

Gerald Dunbar (Gerry) NELSON

Gerald Dunbar (Gerry) NELSON

Age 86, Truro, NS, passed peacefully surrounded by loving family on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born and raised in Truro, NS, Gerry fell in love with horses as a boy and started working with Standardbreds in his teen years. This was just one of Gerry’s passions as he also loved to strap on some blades and hit the ice for a game of hockey. He was known for reminiscing of his action-packed days with the Truro Bear Cats with Shirley as his cheerleader. He remained a loyal friend with many of his teammates throughout his life. After marrying his high school sweetheart in 1950, they soon after welcomed their two beautiful children Debbie and Stanley. Family was so important to Gerald and challenging to balance in such a demanding industry. He always cherished the time when the family could be together. Long-time trainer/driver Gerry Nelson started working in the racing circuits of the Maritimes. Honored with many prestigious awards during his time included being one of the Top Driver’s in Eastern Canadian for many years running. Gerry and Shirley moved to the USA in 1977 working out of California with the great Joe O’Brien and Florida for many years till retirement. Nelson also was first trainer with Archie McNeil, Ron Waples, Joe Pavia Jr. and Wally Hennessey, working much of his career at Pompano Park. He was honored by the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. “Gerry has been around horses all his life” said Hennessey at the time of the award announcement. “He was always reliable, super with the horses, he was the whole package. Everyone has nothing but the utmost respect for him”. Gerald is survived by his lifelong love of 68 years, Shirley (Works) Nelson, daughter, Debbie Nelson of Florida, sister, Phyllis (Nelson) Coolen of Ontario, daughter-in-law, Beverley (Waddell) Nelson, most precious grandchildren, Joshua and Victoria (Tori) Nelson. Also left to mourn are numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Besides his parents, the late Charlie and May (Connolly) Nelson, Gerry is predeceased by a son, Stan Nelson, brothers, Ralph Doyle, George Nelson, sisters, Mildred (Doyle) Dewar, Francis (Nelson) Saville. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mattatall Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 19th from 12-1:45 directly followed by funeral service at 2 pm with a reception to follow in the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date in Bible Hill Cemetery, Bible Hill. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of choice. The family would like to thank the hospital staff, Earth Angels and staff of Cedarstone Enhanced Care for being such loving support. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Gerry’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

 

Funeral home(s)

ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLISHED IN

Tribute

Leave a condolence

comments powered by Disqus

Quick Search

Place an Obituary

MEMORIAL WEBSITE

Create a Memorial Website