Obituary of DALE JAMES NELSON

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dale James Nelson in the evening of October 18, 2018 after a short and courageous battle with cancer, at home with his husband holding his hand while he departed this life.

Dale was born September 22, 1964 and was raised in Rainy River, Ontario before moving first to southeastern BC, then to Winnipeg in 1987 where he worked at Luke’s Machinery for many years before moving on to various government positions, finally ending up at the Province of Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization where he very much enjoyed his work and the company of his colleagues – Dale missed his co-workers greatly when he got ill. Dale had also worked as a health care aide at Luther Home 20 years ago and still had corresponded with some of his patients he had cared for there. Dale was kind and thoughtful, had a fantastic sense of humor, and placed great importance on his work.

Dale will be dearly missed by his husband John, mother Evelyn, brothers Robert (Gladys) and Doug (Valerie), sister Cheryl (Bob), son Jamie, nieces Becky and Mellissa, and dogs Tucker and Blue. Dale was predeceased by his father Stan, and his niece Robyn.

Dale and John were married in 2009 after over 17 years together, with the ceremony presided over by their long-time friend Lorne. Dale enjoyed the 26+ “fun and loving” years he spent with his husband John and all the things they did together over the years including renovating 3 houses, camping, boating, fishing, skiing, roller-blading, and travelling, in particular the trips to Mexico and Las Vegas with our good friends Rob and Don. Dale loved playing pool, Yahtzee, and Wii bowling/golf in the winter and swimming, enjoying a fire on the patio, and going to the beach in the summer. Dale’s veggie garden at his Beaconia “estate” was always a priority – he watched John tend to the garden very closely this year to make sure it was done right. Dale loved to cook and bake and there was never a shortage of treats to take in our lunches. Dale read books constantly and was very proud of his collection of John Grisham novels.

The family and Dale say a special thanks to the staff at the HSC who cared for him there, Lisa and Jeanette from Homecare in Powerview-Pine Falls who were a great help to John in caring for Dale in the final months, and the Palliative care nurses from Selkirk.

A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 3 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at 1:00 PM.

Donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society on Dale’s behalf are greatly appreciated.