William (Bill) R. Nelson

life story

A quiet man with a dry sense of humor.

Bill listened to people; he said you don't learn anything when you're talking. He always looked forward, believed the past was like the wake of a boat and welcomed change.

William (Bill) R. Nelson

Bill Nelson was cleared for his last takeoff on February 26, 2021, signing off on a life that most people dream about, leaving behind his wife, Jan, and two children, Matthew and Amanda, who loved him beyond belief.

Flying meant the world to Bill, and he loved his early years of service in the US Air Force 92nd Air Refueling Squadron. Airplanes remained a lifelong passion, and whenever he could get away from his business, he would take off in his Cessna, often with a kid or two. In winter, as soon as the lake was frozen, people knew the ice was safe when he used it as a runway. Speed was a close second; he raced cars in his youth, could fix anything that had an engine, was an unbeatable snowmobile and boat driver, and loved to fly. Business in the boating industry up north was his calling, and the outdoors his mecca; Bill was not a city boy. Fishing in Alaska and Canada was more to his liking. We traveled the world together and as a family. Bill loved helping people, and forty years as a volunteer firefighter enabled him to do just that.

On a visit to the VA Emergency Center for possible stroke symptoms on January 15, 2021, Bill was diagnosed with primary brain cancer. Surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, would carry significant risk at his age, eighty-five, with only a few months of life extension possible. Quality of life would change, and the tumor would grow back.

So, in his inimitable way, Bill chose to live the best life he could in his unique fashion. In a conversation about Bill’s medical treatment decisions, his doctor asked if we had a good relationship as a couple; Bill said, “It’s perfect; she’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” He also said, “I want to spend my mornings drinking good coffee in my favorite chair while going over our plans for the day like always and try to keep up with my honey-do list. I have a few projects outside, and in the garage, I play ball with the dogs, and I split a little wood each day. In the evening, I’m going to have my beer, or two, while we sit by the fire and talk, and maybe play a game before dinner. I know I’ll always have a great dinner.” You probably don’t want to hear what he said about having a craniotomy, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and their side effects. As far as he was concerned, some of the medical opinions were bulls**t because he felt just fine.

Bill’s greatest joy in his life is our two beautiful children. We spent many evenings laughing about the fun we had when they were growing up, the exciting trips with them, and he was so proud of the kind and caring adults they have become. They certainly learned how not to fire up a grill or start a campfire with their Dad’s favorite method of a squirt of gasoline for instant results. They also discovered a love of flying and respect for others.

We didn’t know what each day would bring, but we squeezed out all the happiness left in our life together; we had forty-three beautiful years. There was no time for regrets, and almost to the end, he felt good, his outlook was hopeful, and he continued his life the way he always did, with dignity and compassion for others.

No delay, straight-out departure, and blue skies and tailwinds all the way, Bill Nelson.

A memorial service will be held in late July, which includes beer, barbecued ribs, and a campfire.