It is with the heaviest of hearts that we bid farewell to our beloved father, Blaise Nelson. Pre-deceased by his darling wife, our mother, Ann Elizabeth Nelson, on March 11 of this year, Blaise is survived by daughters Fiona (Kris), Tara (Stephen) and Shannon (Kevin), and his deeply adored grandson Alex. He also leaves his brother-in-law in Ontario and cousins in the U.K.
Born in Belfast to William and Margaret Nelson, Blaise’s early childhood was marked by the upheaval of World War II. In 1948, the family moved to Montreal where Blaise revelled in an idyllic Canadian boyhood of sports, Boy Scouts and camping. When his father passed away in 1952, he and his mother moved back to Belfast, but Canada always called to him. At the age of sixteen Blaise met with Hudson’s Bay recruiters in Belfast and applied to return to Canada as a fur trapper for The Bay. When they found out he was the only son of a widow, they declined his application.
This was our good fortune because in 1959 he met our mother Ann and was instantly smitten. By then he was a young officer in the Royal Ulster Constabulary who walked the beat at the end of Ann’s street. He played it cool, walked her home a few times, took her dancing and charmed her right into his arms. They married in September 1962, and welcomed Fiona to the family a year later. In 1967, after serving ten years in the RUC in Belfast, Blaise applied to the Edmonton Police Service and the family emigrated to Canada. Settled in Edmonton, and later Sherwood Park, the family was happily completed by the addition of Tara and Shannon.
Blaise retired in 1997, having served 40 years in law enforcement in Belfast and Edmonton. He was a champion swimmer who was recognized by the Royal Humane Society, while in the RUC, for jumping into the Lagan River to rescue a drowning man. By the time he retired from the EPS, at the rank of Staff Sergeant, he had worked in sex crimes, arson, child abuse and homicide. He took great pride in his work and was held in high regard by all his colleagues.
Blaise and Ann moved to Victoria in 1998 and were finally able to engage in some world travels. Over the years they visited several cities in Europe and the US, and went on two cruises. Their final big trip was in 2018 when the entire family travelled together to Northern Ireland.
Blaise lost his life’s companion, and true love, on March 11, 2020. We were not able to hold a celebration of life at that time so a joint celebration and interment for both of them was held on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. for invited guests to attend in person. A recording of the service can be found below.
There were many beloved animals in Blaise’s life, including Pixie the cat, dogs Goldie, Paddington and Rupert, and many grand-cats and grand-dogs. If people wish, in lieu of flowers, donations to a humane society or animal rescue would be welcomed.
Condolences may also be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
27 Responses
Our heartfelt condolences to you all. I am so very sorry, Shan. Hugs and love to you, your sisters and family.
Fiona, Kris, Tara, Stephen, Shannon, Kevin & Alex,
On behalf of our whole family we pass on our deepest sympathy for the absolutely huge & shocking losses you’ve had to endure this year – as we’ve all said there are ’simply no words’. Your parents were amazing and raised three incredible girls who they were so proud of. There was never a time that I talked to them & they didn’t also mention Alex – how much they adored him! I feel blessed to have known both your parents for so long. They were so incredible when we first came to the island & some of my best memories of our first island times were with them. They have a love story that few people ever have the chance to live – may they rest in peace together. I have no doubt they will be looking over all of you. Xoxo
Dear Tara, Shannon, Fiona, Alex and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Blaise and Ann were such open, gentle, loving and caring people who really brightened the whole neighbourhood and I’m so grateful for the relationship we were able to develop as we grew up as neighbours alongside them! They will surely be missed but will remain forever in our hearts and thoughts with love and many fond memories. Sending love and best wishes to you all in this difficult time.
It is difficult to put into words the admiration and respect that we had for Blaise and Anne. Not only was Blaise my supervisor at the EPS but a respected friend. Blaise and Anne were a tremendous support to us when Robert was born, he always enjoyed his visits to the Nelsons. Chasing Rupert around the house and reading stories with them. There was no limit to the kindness that they showed us. For those who did not know Blaise I am sure that they only saw a Giant of a Man, he was however the most kind individual I have ever known.
Our sincere sympathy goes out to your family, we will always think fondly of the Nelsons.
Dear Fiona, Tara, Shannon, Alex and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I could only imagine how hard it is losing both Blaise and Ann so close together, although it is so heartwarming to know they are reunited once again.
As close neighbours, my sister Natasha and I grew up from kids to adults as they aged. They saw us grow, looked out for and over us, and were always so interested in what we were doing with our lives. When we moved away from home and were no longer neighbours, each time we visited, we were mutually eager to catch up with each other and hear about the recent goings-on. I will miss dearly bumping into them in the driveway or stopping by their house for a chat. They were so kind, loving, warm, and knew all the good neighbourhood gossip. They will always be close to my heart.
Nicole Molinari (Holly Boettcher’s daughter)
Marketa and Jacob
Deepest condolences to Fiona, Tara, Shannon and the family.
I am so sad for your loss. I feel so lucky to know both of your parents. The neighbourhood will not be the same without them.
It was so comforting to have them across the street. I knew I was always welcome to pop by. They were supportive, caring and gave beautiful hugs.
Our dog Mr T loved them so much we could not go for a walk unless we stop to say hello.
I am already missing them. They will be in my heart forever. I am sure that their love is an inspiration for many.
Praying for all of you.
Blaise was a valued and highly respected Member of our Recruit Training Class #26 at EPS back in Sept/67. He set a fine personal and professional example for his classmates and the whole Service. Kind regards and condolences to his girls and their families.