Edwin R Nelson of Wells ME, passed away unexpectedly with his wife of 62 years by his side.   They were on their way to one of their favorite restaurants in Berwick and he managed to find the strength to brake the car in the middle of the road, put it in park and passed away at the wheel.  We would like to thank the generosity of those complete strangers who tried to help and the entire crew who assisted with the 911 call.

Ed Nelson was a great man who lived a full life and was loved by his family and friends.  He was born in Attleboro MA to George and Marjorie Nelson.  His father was one of three brothers out of six that emigrated from Sweden to the United States to forge a better life.   His father worked as a toolmaker 6 days a week and saved enough money to build a house on his own during Ed's senior year of high school.  Ed's Uncle was an accountant at a car dealership which inspired him to pursue a career in accounting.  With the help of a guidance counselor Ed was admitted to a 4 year program at Boston University where he worked hard and excelled.

An opportunity arose to work the summer in York Maine at what was then called the Marshall House (now Stage Neck Inn).  He lived on the second floor of the garage above where the guest's limousines were stored during their stay.  That summer he met Judy who was also going to school in Boston and also worked summers at the Marshall House.  The two fell in love during the first summer there and formed a bond that will last forever.

After graduating from Boston University, he attended Indiana University to obtain a Masters degree in Accounting. After graduating from Indiana, He returned to Boston and obtained a job in public accounting with what was then the firm, Ernst &Ernst.   He loved public accounting and everything it offered in terms of meeting and working with people in different industries.   He was disciplined, hard working, eager to take on more, and he eventually became the youngest partner in the firm at that time.

Ed was offered the managing partner position in two locations and chose Portland Maine.  With Ed's direction and leadership the accounting firm transitioned from Ernst & Ernst to Ernst & Whinney and grew over the next fifteen years. Many members of the current professional community have come through its doors.  Ed was passionate about his work, and passionate about the city of Portland.   He chose to volunteer his time in many capacities and to numerous organizations including the Portland Symphony, Junior Achievement and the United Way.  His involvement and leadership roles in the many organizations are too many to mention. He loved helping, he loved the people that were trying to make a difference and he was an integral part in helping these and many other organizations succeed.

In 1991 after 32 years in public accounting, he retired and transitioned his finance career towards education. Ed pursued a doctorate at Boston University driving back and forth to Boston to attend classes.   With all but his dissertation to finish he decided to take a position as a professor at the University of New Hampshire where he would teach for the next 17 years.  He ensured that his teaching style included both academic principles as well as real life applications to the business world. He loved working on a campus, providing opportunities for eager and motivated students and regularly attended all of the sporting events he could fit into his schedule.   He was proud of the many students that came through his classes and loved hearing from them after their graduation. He would always call out the students that have gone on to become famous coaches and players that attended his class.

Ed was best known for his easy going way with people and wonderful laugh. When work life slowed down he read countless books. Many of them were read while sitting on the deck and you could hear him holler out a cheerful 'hey' to neighbors jogging or driving by. He was an avid sports fan and also a regular fixture on the sidelines at high school and college games. He appreciated kids trying their hardest, doing their best, competing and the emotions of the game. He loved Maine, beer and scotch, and loved to travel to Scandinavia and Florida with his family. He was generous, proud, hardworking and sharp as a tack.  He gave back to a world that treated him so well; he loved it all and made the most of everything.

Two days away from his 62 ^nd wedding anniversary, the two had shared a lifetime of wonderful memories and were true soulmates.  From the early days of the Marshall House to Indiana, to Boston, to Portland, to Wells and so much in between, the two were blessed with so much joy and happiness. I was glad to have experienced several weeks in Florida this spring with my father. I would have liked to have had more time - one last adventure. My mother told me that just before he stopped the car on that fateful trip, they had been talking about what they would get for dinner at the restaurant.  "I don't know" he said and she told him she was going to have a beer with him on this particular trip (which he would have enjoyed). "Life is too short" she said and then without time to pull off the road, he managed to safely stop the car. I like to think my dad lived such a full life that his body simply gave out. No regrets, no suffering, with the wife that he loved by his side.  Rest in peace Far Far.  We will miss you.

Ed is remembered lovingly by his wife Judy; children, Karin, Jennifer, Mark; grandchildren, Haley, Jared, Sarah; and sister, Ruth.

Care for the Nelson family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.