Obituary: Nelson, Ken
Age 89
Ken Nelson was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan to Renholdt and Esther Nelson.
He left school early to pursue a hockey career until WWII.
He enlisted in the Canadian Army and was soon on his way to Europe via the Queen Mary.
About three weeks after D-Day, the North Saskatoon Regiment went ashore, suffering heavy losses as they fought their way through Belgium, France and Germany.
Ken was one of seven survivors in his company and was decorated for his service.
After the war, he married Doris Ewins and they had two sons: Terry and Randy (deceased).
The family lived in Yellowknife, NWT, where Ken worked in the gold mine.
When the marriage ended, Ken (with Terry in tow) moved to Spokane, where he worked in the weld shop at Gifford Hill/ASC.
Ken then married Shirley Koontz and acquired four more children: Dean, Darralyn, Lorrie (deceased) and Doug.
He was involved in youth hockey and he and Shirley belonged to the Hix & Chix square dance club.
They divorced and, in 1980, Ken married Darlene Beebe, adding four more children: Mark, David, Paula and Paul.
Ken supported his blended, extended family’s many activities.
He played rec league hockey alongside sons Terry, Randy and Doug for many years, enjoyed travel in the RV, and loved the game of golf.
He was in 7th heaven during the Stanley Cup playoffs and was an avid Spokane Chiefs fan.
He was a longtime member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Eagles Aerie #2 and the Machinists Union.
Ken was kind, honest, fair, yet stern, and gave great hugs.
He was also “Mr. Fix-it”, ready to grab his tools and do the job, whether asked to help or not.
Ken was a wonderful example of what constitutes a REAL man.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, sister Norma, brother Cliff, son Randy and daughter Lorrie.
He is survived by his loving wife Darlene; children Terry (Carol) Nelson, Gail (Richard) Shack, Candy Nelson, Doug (Leila) Dompier, Darralyn Hite, Dean (Evelyn) Koontz, Paula (Mike) Hall, and Mark, David and Paul Beebe; grandchildren/great-grandchildren Melissa Tomlinson, Jordan and Cole DeMiero, Jody (Kevin) Bishopp, Kylie, Kaitlin and Jackson, Marisa (Alex) Cline, Brenden, and Brandy (Albert) Mitchell, Miles, Maze and Megan; stepgrandchildren Adrianna Hall, Paul C., Kii-lea and Hokuloa Beebe, Philip, Nicole, Paul, Max and Sophia Dompier, Ryan, Dayton, Korynn and Kalani Beebe, Megan McBarnes, Wyatt Ching, Jaimie Stewart; sister-in-law Louanna Nelson; nephew Glenn; nieces Susie and Carol; grandnieces and nephew Torri, Ashley, Shanel and Brandon Shack.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.
Services will be held Tuesday, May 29 at 11AM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4202 N. Belt, with fellowship to follow.