Obituary of Hector Martin Nelson

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". NELSON - It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Hector Martin Nelson, age 83, at the Regina General Hospital on Thursday, September 3, 2015 with his wife and family continually at his side. Hector was born on August 28, 1932 to Oscar and Minnie (nee Sjoberg) Nelson in Elfros, SK. Hector grew up and completed his high school education in Elfros, SK, followed by Teachers' College in Saskatoon. Once teaching, he completed his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science Degrees at the University of Saskatchewan. Part way through his teaching career, Hector entered the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as a navigator, which allowed him to travel to many parts of the world. Among his favourites were visits to Scotland, Ireland, England, Denmark, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Bermuda, among many others. After 5 years, on a short service commission, he returned to teaching in Saskatchewan. It was then that he met his future wife, Joyce Brodziak. They were married on May 18, 1968. While posted in Winnipeg, he was an air navigation instructor for the Royal Canadian Air Force. His first daughter, Darcie, was born here. He was later transferred to Greenwood, Nova Scotia, where his son, Todd, was born. Shortly after, Hector decided to return to teaching in Saskatchewan so he could be home with his growing family. Hector and Joyce then welcomed their third child, Crystal, to the family. Hector retired from teaching, but in true teacher fashion, he never retired from working. He started up his own income tax business and taught adult education courses through the Yorkton Tribal Council. The Nelson family farm brought great pride to Hector as it has been in the Nelson name for over 100 years. Over the 40+ years that he owned the land, Hector enjoyed farming it himself and later visiting to check the crops. Hector was an avid Bridge player, bowler and reader. At any given time, you might find him calculating Bridge scores or reading the latest Sci-Fi novel. His greatest joy came with the arrival of his four grandchildren, Karson, Keenan, Claire and Addison. He enjoyed playing tile rummy, dominoes and computer games with them and was the proudest grandpa at the hockey and baseball games, Ukrainian dance performances and gymnastics competitions. He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory, his loving wife, Joyce of 47 years, his three children, Darcie (Ward) Krasowski of Yorkton with grandsons, Karson and Keenan, Todd Nelson of Edmonton, AB and Crystal (Thad) Swidzinski of Yorkton with granddaughters, Claire and Addison; brothers, John (Marjy) Nelson of Cold Lake, AB, Kim (Lynn) Nelson of Yorkton, Dale (Gloria) Nelson of Elfros and sister, June Peterson of Elfros; mother-in-law, Helen Brodziak of Kamsack; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Eugene (Sylvia) Brodziak of Kenosee, Gladys Brodziak of Bethune, Garry (Gladys) Brodziak of Pinawa, MB, Gail (Ivan) Peterson of Sturgis, Terry (Shelly) Brodziak of Swift Current, Randy (Veronica) Brodziak of Calgary, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Hector was predeceased by his parents, Minnie and Oscar; sister, Margaret; brother, Glen; brother-in-law, Ashley; nephew, Sam; father-in-law, Mike; brother-in-law, Ed. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R. and Rev. Father Methodius Kushko, C.ss.R. concelebrating. The responses to the Liturgy were led by Laurie Fedorowich. The cross bearer was Karson Krasowski and the epistle reader was Todd Nelson. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Alexander Branch conducted the Tribute Service and served in an Honour Guard for their comrade. Serving as urn bearers were Keenan Krasowski, Claire Swidzinski and Addison Swidzinski assisted by Grandma. Reflections of their father's life were shared by daughters, Darcie Krasowski and Crystal Swidzinski. Memorials honouring Hector's life may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolence can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal memory! Service Information Wednesday, September 9th, 2015 11:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church