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Sadly, we announce the passing of R.L. (Bob) Nelson on October 15, 2010 at SLGH at the age of 82 years.

Bob was born on July 26, 1928 to Clarence Peter Nelson and Mary Irene (Andrews) Nelson. Bobbie, as he was fondly called, was an avid athlete playing a variety of school sports. Bob married Rose Weleschuk in 1950 and had 3 children; Lori, Bradley and Sherry. He was very community minded, being the first president of the Salmon Arm Minor Hockey Association, dedicating his time to being a referee. He was a lifetime member of the Kinsmen Club of Salmon Arm as well as a volunteer fireman and legion member.

Bob worked along side his dad (C.P. & R.L. Nelson) running Imperial Oil Bulk Plant until he took over. He sold the business in 1976 and tried his hand at farming and a gravel business. He married Katherine Lee Brumfield in 1981 and returned to the Bulk Oil Sales for Mainline co-op in 1985. Bob and Lee settled in Sorrento until he retired at the age of 72 at which time they then moved back to Salmon Arm. Bob enjoyed playing crib at the “109” and curling in the senior’s league.

Bob is predeceased by his sister Shirley Schmitz, step-daughter; Leanne Gidinski and the love of his life, Lee Nelson. Bob is survived by his sister Audrey (Glenn) Montgomery, children: Lori (Dan) Reed, Brad (Lynn) Nelson, Sherry (Steve) Lewis and step-children; Edward (Kathy) Gidinski and Stan (Amanda) Gidinski as well as numerous grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held from the Chapel of Bowers Funeral Home on Sunday October 24, 2010 at 2:00 pm. Interment of Bob’s cremated remains will follow at the Mt. Ida Cemetery with a time for reflection to follow at the mountainside room.

The Nelson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the medical staff at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital for their kind and considerate care for our dad and special kudos’ to Ed and Kathy for loving dad as you did.

Online condolences can be sent through Bob’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com

Funeral Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm.



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