Gerald Dunbar (Gerry) Nelson
1932-2019
Nelson, Gerald Dunbar (Gerry) – 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. Honoured 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 honoured 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
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gerald Dunbar Gerry Nelson 19322019..
Décès pour la Ville: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia