We Remember
NELSON, Nigel Ernest
June 11, 1952 — December 27, 2023
With profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Nigel Ernest Nelson on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, with his ever loving and devoted wife, Carole, holding his hand. He valiantly fought a tumour on his spine for ten years, but sadly other serious medical issues intervened to take him from us.
Nigel is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carole; his loving daughter, Melissa (Zach); sisters, Alexis and Sandra, and brother, Doug; brothers-in-law, Bob (Kathryn) Stan and Ron (Susie) Stan; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Alexander and Jessie Nelson, and his brother, Arthur.
Nigel was born on June 11, 1952, in Bournemouth, England and spent much of his early life in the Cambridge area. After starting training for an accounting qualification, he quickly found computers and had a long and successful career in IT. He finished as a much-respected international expert in legal accounting. In the early stages of his career, he moved to Bermuda to further his IT consulting experience, which is where he met the love of his life, Carole, who was there visiting her brother, Ron. In England, Nigel and Carole lived in the Welwyn area of Hertfordshire until they moved to Kelowna, BC in 2008.
Nigel settled into life in the Okanagan as a retiree, where he now had the time to expand his knowledge of, and passion for, wine. He quickly adapted to the Canadian way of life and was so proud to receive his Canadian citizenship in 2014. He was passionate about the Manchester United and Cambridge United football (soccer) teams, and he also embraced the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Kelowna Rockets. When he wasn’t watching sports, his next love was numbers and spreadsheets. He applied those skills and passion to his work in helping others with various charitable organizations throughout his retirement. Most recently, he was working passionately with the Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners (CABP) and his contributions to the CABP frozen pension battle were nothing short of extraordinary. Nigel’s tireless efforts, even in the face of his health adversity, showed a level of dedication that is rare, and the void left by his absence will be immense. He worked with a clear passion, determination, and dedication for the cause and for all frozen pensioners. He mentioned, not long before his death, his optimism that the cause would finally break through into concrete action this upcoming year. Nigel’s family wishes the CABP the best of luck and strength in continuing the fight in his name.
Nigel was totally devoted to his wife and daughter, who will miss him terribly. His proudest day was the birth of his daughter, Melissa. He is being remembered as a brilliant, uniquely interesting, perseverant, longsuffering, respectful man, who simply wanted the best for Carole and Melissa. His loss will be felt deeply by all who knew and worked with him, both here in Canada and in the UK. We have all lost a true gentleman who amazed many with his creativity, integrity, intelligence, knowledge, and tenacity. Nigel was a man of remarkable courage, facing all the physical challenges life presented him with grace and determination.
The family would like to thank the incredible medical team Nigel acquired on his journey – specifically our amazing family doctor, Dr Peter Butterworth; his talented surgeon in Vancouver, Dr Charles Fisher; and his compassionate oncologist in Kelowna, Dr Simon Andrew. There were many others who treated and comforted Nigel in the last 10 years, but far too many to list.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Nigel, please consider a donation to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.
Nigel’s Celebration of Life Service, with Pastor Keith Reisdorf Officiating, will be held on FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
Share with Others:
Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Link: kghfoundation.crowdchange.co/36860/donate
Service Information
Service Details
The service for NELSON, Nigel Ernest is scheduled for FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Please accept our deepest condolences, Nigel was an amazing man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Melissa at this time, take care and God Bless
Dear Carole an Melissa,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed the time we spent with you all when we lived in Kelowna. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Sending love ❤️
We have many fond memories from the times we spent with Nigel in Kelowna. He will be missed.
Love, Ward & Karen
Dear Carole and Melissa,
I am so sorry to hear of Nigel’s passing. I have fond memories of Nigel assisting me while working on my classic Jaguar. As your neighbor I knew we could ask anything of you both during our time in Kelowna. Nigel’s lessons on installing outdoor Christmas lights in a “higgely- piggely” way is one I will never forget.
Geoff
We send our heartfelt sympathy to Nigel’s family. Nigel was a proud and loving father and husband. He fought his long term health problems courageously. We hope the memory of how steadfastly they stood by him until the very end will bring Carole, Melissa and Zach comfort. With love.
Very sorry for your loss. We have fond memories from our time in Portugal with you and Nigel, especially the medronho-fuelled evening at Bonjour Goodnight! Sincere condolences.
In March 2003 we had the very good fortune of becoming neighbours to Nigel in Bracken Lane, Welwyn. His welcome was warm and friendly as we dropped off a bottle of wine as a thank you for the first night meal in our new home very thoughtfully prepared by Carole. You like wine he said taking hold of a bottle from Neil Ellis. We do we replied and from that moment there was no turning back as we shared family BBQs naturally washed down by a few bottles.
Once we discovered a shared love of United, champions league nights became the stuff of legend. We would rotate between our living rooms for the latest chapter of United’s quest. Visiting his of course was more special as the more important the game the more rare the vintage served became. A trait of generosity that captured the essence of Nigel beautifully. A few months prior to leaving for Kelowna the footballing gods delivered and United won the Champions League. A memory treasured even more with his passing.
Bracken Lane was never the same once the Nelsons departed. Naturally, there was only one thing for it. We visited Kelowna in 2010. Nigel was in fantastic form. He was so happy with his retirement. We had a tremendous time visiting his favourite wineries and he was our designated driver whilst he encouraged us to drink the Okanagan dry. Again his generosity shone bright.
It’s how we will remember him. We were blessed to know and count him as a friend. Our face time call with him after the wedding was not at all difficult despite the circumstances. Such was the character of our friend. A generous, thoughtful and fun gentleman to his core. Rest in peace Nigel and our deepest sympathies to Carole, Melissa, family & friends.
Dear Carole and Melissa, our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this saddest of times. May Nigel rest in peace now, bless him, he is out of sight but not out of mind. Sending ❤️
So very sorry to hear of the sad news of Nigel’s passing. We have many fond memories of our get togethers and events. Thinking of you and Melissa at this difficult time and sending our love, Sam, Julie, Caitlin & Bradley
To Carole and Melissa
We send our sincere condolences on your loss. Thinking of you.
Stephanie and Sophie Tomlinson
Welwyn UK
Carole and Melissa
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.. God bless you and give you strength.
Dawn ,Simon,Naomi,Charlotte and Hannah
Remembering dearest Nigel (Mikes cousin) and praying that Carole, Melissa and Zach find peace and comfort in knowing Nigel was loved by so many. Mike has many fond childhood memories of Nigel and his cousins playing together and we have such joyous memories of our time with you both in Kelowna in 2019 where you both made us so welcome. Sending you all of our love at this difficult time. Mike and Anne Salter (Wimborne, Dorset. UK).
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and Melissa at this sad time.
My dearest brother Nigel, there are no words to describe the sadness and heartache I feel with your untimely passing. I have known you all your life, and will miss you terribly. Throughout difficult times you have been my rock, which showed your caring nature. You have been so courageous and fought so hard to support the ones you loved. You are now at Peace. Love you.
Our sincere condolences to Carole and Melissa (Zach) for the loss of your loving husband and doting father. Although we were not able to spend as much time with the Nelson Family when they returned to Canada as we had hoped, we remember Nigel as being the quintessential ‘British Gentleman’ who was full of fun, headstrong, quick-witted and big-hearted. He will be sadly missed.
Lorne, Sandra & Sam XO
Dear Carole and Mellissa. So sorry to hear about Nigel passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Uncle Nigel I have so many memories of you from Melbourn all the way through to your life in Canada.I’m so grateful that Reece got to know you, Carole and Melissa. As I said to you on so many occasions I was humbled by your strength resolve and determination through work and your battles with your health. Thank you for your positive words for and to me through my life and since I became Mum to Reece. You are quite obviously Truely loved and will be missed so much. Nan and Arthur and Paulie (and grandad) from the nelson Boseley clan will take care of you amongst others that left us before. Memories very die .. love never dies. I hope Carole and Melissa find strength around them and you rest in peace and pain free. Love always Uncle , great Uncle xxx
Roger and I are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Nigel. Taken too early! Our thoughts are with you Carole and Melissa, with love xxxx
A lovely service. Well held together all of you. Nigel was a sweet and gentle man – glad to have known him, and so sorry for your loss. Sue xx
Carole, Melissa and Zach – we all send our deepest condolences – remember all the fun times with Nigel and smile at those memories. He was stoic and brave through all the years of medical challenges, I never heard him complain. He will be missed. With all our love – Ron, Susie, Sam, Sabina.
Carole and Melissa, sending big hugs, it was such a special service today. I will forever have the fondest memories of Nigel, he was a great man and a great boss, a hugely intelligent and passionate man. He certainly did make a mark in this world.
Take care
Rachel xx