December 9, 1936 - January 31, 2024
Wesley William Palmer Nelson, of Stratford, Ontario, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on January 31, 2024, at the Stratford General Hospital, at the age of 87.
Wes was born on December 6, 1936, to William and Aleta Nelson in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan (Ponass Lake). Moving from the family homestead near Pleasantdale, SK, Wes, and his family spent time in Fosston and Rocanville, SK before moving with his family to Kincardine, Ontario, at the age of 14.
After graduating from high school in 1955, Wes joined the Bank of Montreal and remained with BMO for over 45 years. His career started in Kincardine and it took him, and his family, to many places across Canada with stops in Sarnia, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, London, Sudbury, Edmonton, Windsor, and finally to Stratford where he retired in 1991. Still not done with his love of people and banking, Wes continued his post-retirement work as a Retirement Service Representative until 2000. Wes always used to say, “Old bankers never die, they just lose interest!” Throughout the bank moves Wes met and worked alongside many great people, had many great neighbours, and many great church families. These relationships are something he never lost interest in.
In 1956 Wes met Lois Button, a farmer's daughter from Teeswater. They were married in 1960 at Teeswater United Church and recently celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Wes is predeceased by his parents, William and Aleta (Palmer) Nelson, sister Winona Loree, brother-in-law Stuart Loree, and sister Lois Litwiller.
Wes is survived by his wife Lois, son Geoffrey (Heidi) of Brantford, Michael (Susan) of Mitchell, Grandchildren Mackenzie (Mallory), Chloe (Greg), Tabitha, Celia (Joshua), Hannah (Malakai), Leah, Sarah, Rebekah, Josiah, Mya, and Julia. Also survived by two great-grandchildren, Bailey and Theodore. Wes is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Recently, Wes was asked how he was feeling and he answered “Grateful and Blessed”.
A celebration of his life will be held at Elgin Missionary Church, 4192 Perth County Line 36, Stratford on Monday, February 5th at 2:00 pm followed by a reception at the church. A private family interment will be held in the Kincardine Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com to the Elgin Missionary Church, Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, or the Canadian Cancer Society, an organization where Wes was a long-time volunteer.
