Gordon Louis Nelson

Gordon Lewis Nelson 92, passed away October 12, 2021. Preceded in death by the love of his life Helen Nelson, his parents, Tillman and Mabel Nelson, and his brothers, Merlin and Dwayne Nelson. Gordon is also survived by his three children, Cathy (Tom) Downs, Doug (Cherie) Nelson, and Teri (Bill) Brown, and his grandchildren Bryan (Michelle) Downs, Scott (Darby) Downs, Amanda (Andrew) Polk, Shana (Dustin) Olayvar, Alyson (Daniel) Neild, and Nicole Nelson. Gordon loved his great grandchildren, Taylor, Brittany and Harper Downs, Grayson and Eveleigh Downs, Brody and Brighton Olayvar, Asher, Annabelle, Corbin and Ransom Polk, and Liberty Neild. He loved his niece Linda (Jim) Spencer. Gordon and Helen were blessed to have a wonderful caretaker, Natasha Howell who was with them for more 12 years, and became a family member.

Gordon worked for Gus’s Trenching & Pipeline for 25 years. He loved construction and was proud to be a “ditch digger.” In 1980 Gordon and his son Doug opened and operated Nelsons’ Pipeline Company, working together until Gordon retired in 1997.

Gordon never passed up an opportunity to travel and was blessed to have visited many parts of the world with Helen. He loved Indy car racing and was one of the U of A’s biggest basketball fans. Gordon, along with Helen as his navigator, enjoyed racing their antique cars across the country for 15 years. He continued the tradition with his grandson Scott for another 8 years after Helen retired.

The family will be having a private service for Gordon at East Lawn cemetery. Gordon’s children and their families will have a “Celebration of Life” service to remember the beautiful life their parents created for them.