Richard Nelson
1955 – 2022

Mr. Richard ‘Rick’ Nelson passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, at the age of 67 years.

Rick was born in Edmonton, Alta., on Nov. 18, 1955. He moved to the family farm outside of Eckville in 1966, where he went to school, until he jumped into what us Albertans call the “patch” when he was seventeen years old. From there Rick built a life and a career. He continued with this until his retirement at the age of sixty.

Rick married Charlene in 1975. Rick’s special achievements started when daddy’s little girl, Vicki, came into this world in 1976, which was then followed by his strong son, Timothy, in 1979, and then the baby, Christopher, in 1983. Throughout his years in the “patch” and raising children, Rick was very involved with Rocky Minor Hockey, Rocky Minor Baseball and donated his time when needed.

He was not actually a member of “Ducks Unlimited” but if they knew him, Rick would be an honourary member of their foundation. He always won the bid!! He was an avid collector of everything from A-Z, whether it be 188 gravy boats, 2001 stuffed animals, to the collection he was most proud of, his Coca-Cola collection.

Rick’s most valued collection was the hearts, smiles and love for his family and friends. Once he retired from the oilfield, he went straight to entrepreneurship and started what you thought was a cut and clearing business, it was on the farm where he was raised. It was more just to sell firewood that this strong man cut, bucked, split and stacked mostly by himself. The enjoyment he got out of it was when either his wife, children, or grandchildren accompanied him for this great adventure.

Rick married Shirley in August of 2002, and between their six children, they welcomed fifteen grandchildren between them all.

Rick will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Shirley; his children: Vicki (Pat), Tim (Val), Christopher, Kristina (Bob), Rebecca (Warren) and T.J. (Jocelyn); his grandchildren: Amber, Kailin, Madison, Grace, Olivia, Hudson, Brooks, Kamryn, Riarsyn, Braunsyn, Kardelle, Lauson, Degan, Tyler and Dylan. He will also be sadly missed by his mother, Therese; his brother, Darryl (Lani) Nelson; and his sister, Elaine (Gerry) Leblanc.
Rick was predeceased by his father, Edwin, and a sister, Shirley.

A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held at the Eckville Community Centre, 5305 – 5315 - 52 Street, Eckville, Alta., on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at 2 p.m. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta.

If desired, memorial donations in Rick’s honour may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at www.heartandstroke.ca, the Ronald McDonald House at www.rmhcalberta.org or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, 403-340-4040.