Michael Bernard Nelson

Michael B. Nelson, 59, passed away suddenly January 21, 2011. An Arizona native, Michael was born in Phoenix (June 25, 1951) and attended Maryland Elementary and Washington High School. He married his college sweetheart, Cynthia Ann Currie of Tacna, Arizona, in October 1976 and their son Eric was born April 23, 1992. Michael enjoyed coaching and mentoring young people. He especially loved the outdoors and excursions with his family. Reading gave Mike great pleasure as did cheering for the University of Arizona, where he earned two BA degrees: Biological Sciences and Nuclear Engineering, with graduate studies in Energy Systems Engineering. He was employed by American Atomics Corporation, Bechtel Power Corporation, and Arizona Public Service before retiring to manage a family-based real estate business. His professional affiliations included the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Nuclear Society, and Association of Professional Energy Managers of which he was a past president of the Arizona Chapter.

Always ready to lend a hand, Mike was an enthusiastic and faithful parishioner of Christ Church Anglican, serving in outreach ministries and on the Building and Grounds/Property Oversight committee.

Mike served since 2006 as Troop Committee Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 401 chartered by The Church of the Beatitudes. He was extremely proud of Eric’s appointment to the United States Military Academy and Cindy’s work with ChildHelp of Arizona. Michael was predeceased by his parents Christine and James Joseph Nelson, his brothers David Nelson and William (Bill) Nelson. He is survived by his wife of 34 Years Cindy, their son Eric, brothers Jim (Ann) Nelson and John (Millie) Nelson, sister Katherine Shore and sister-in-law Susan Nelson, and several nieces and nephews. We will all miss Michael’s infectious chuckle and larger-than- life smile. A memorial service was held Friday, January 28, at Christ Church Anglican. Contributions in memoriam may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Boy Scouts of America, Grand Canyon Council, 2969 Greenfield Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016.